Lifespan: meaning, definitions and examples

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lifespan

 

[ ˈlaɪfˌspæn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

duration of life

Lifespan refers to the length of time a person, animal, or thing is alive or exists. It is the period between birth and death, encompassing all stages of development and decline.

Synonyms

duration of life, life expectancy, longevity

Examples of usage

  • The average lifespan of a human being is around 70-80 years.
  • Dogs have a shorter lifespan compared to humans.
Context #2 | Noun

use in biology

In biology, lifespan refers to the maximum potential age that an individual of a species can reach. It is influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

Synonyms

longevity potential, maximum age potential

Examples of usage

  • The lifespan of a fruit fly is much shorter than that of a tortoise.
  • Research is ongoing to extend the lifespan of certain species.
Context #3 | Noun

technology and products

Lifespan can also refer to the duration for which a product or technology remains functional or usable before it needs to be replaced or upgraded.

Synonyms

durability, long-lasting quality

Examples of usage

  • The lifespan of a smartphone battery depends on usage habits.
  • Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of machinery.

Translations

Translations of the word "lifespan" in other languages:

🇵🇹 expectativa de vida

🇮🇳 जीवनकाल

🇩🇪 Lebensdauer

🇮🇩 usia hidup

🇺🇦 тривалість життя

🇵🇱 długość życia

🇯🇵 寿命 (じゅみょう)

🇫🇷 espérance de vie

🇪🇸 esperanza de vida

🇹🇷 yaşam süresi

🇰🇷 수명 (수명)

🇸🇦 العمر المتوقع

🇨🇿 délka života

🇸🇰 dĺžka života

🇨🇳 寿命 (shòumìng)

🇸🇮 pričakovana življenjska doba

🇮🇸 líftími

🇰🇿 өмір сүру ұзақтығы

🇬🇪 სიცოცხლის ხანგრძლივობა

🇦🇿 ömür müddəti

🇲🇽 esperanza de vida

Etymology

The word 'lifespan' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'life' and 'span'. It reflects the concept of measuring the duration of life or existence. The term has been widely used in fields such as biology, demography, and technology to describe various aspects of longevity and durability.

See also: afterlife, alive, life, lifebuoy, lifeless, lifelessly, lifelessness, lifeline, lifelong, lifemode, lifesaver, lifestyle, lifetime, lifeway.