Shelf life: meaning, definitions and examples

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shelf life

 

[ ʃɛlf laɪf ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

food preservation

The length of time that a product can be stored before it is no longer safe to consume. It is determined by factors such as the type of product, packaging, and storage conditions.

Examples of usage

  • The shelf life of milk is typically around one week.
  • The shelf life of canned goods can be several years if stored properly.
Context #2 | Noun

product quality

The period of time during which a product remains usable, functional, or effective. It is often used in reference to non-perishable items like batteries or cosmetics.

Examples of usage

  • The shelf life of this battery is two years.
  • Cosmetics have a limited shelf life once opened.

Translations

Translations of the word "shelf life" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prazo de validade

🇮🇳 शेल्फ जीवन

🇩🇪 Haltbarkeit

🇮🇩 masa simpan

🇺🇦 термін зберігання

🇵🇱 okres przydatności do spożycia

🇯🇵 保存期間

🇫🇷 durée de conservation

🇪🇸 vida útil

🇹🇷 raf ömrü

🇰🇷 유통 기한

🇸🇦 مدة الصلاحية

🇨🇿 trvanlivost

🇸🇰 trvanlivosť

🇨🇳 保质期

🇸🇮 rok trajanja

🇮🇸 geymsluþol

🇰🇿 сақтау мерзімі

🇬🇪 ვადის გასვლა

🇦🇿 saxlama müddəti

🇲🇽 vida útil

Word origin

The term 'shelf life' originated in the early 20th century in the context of food preservation and storage. It became more widely used as advancements in packaging and preservation techniques allowed for longer shelf lives of various products. Today, 'shelf life' is a common term used across industries to describe the durability and longevity of goods.