ars longa, vita brevis

foreign term ars lon·ga, vi·ta bre·vis \ärs-ˈlȯŋ-ˌgä ˌwē-ˌtä-ˈbre-wis\

Definition of ARS LONGA, VITA BREVIS

: art is long, life is short : human life span limits all that might be accomplished

Latin

Next Word in the Dictionary: as–salaam alaikumPrevious Word in the Dictionary: ars est celare artem

What made you want to look up ars longa, vita brevis? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears