First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
vital
adjective vi·tal \ˈvī-təl\
: extremely important
: needed by your body in order to keep living
: very lively or energetic
Full Definition of VITAL
1
a : existing as a manifestation of life b : concerned with or necessary to the maintenance of life <vital organs> <blood and other vital fluids>
2
: full of life and vigor : animated
3
: characteristic of life or living beings
4
a : fundamentally concerned with or affecting life or living beings: as (1) : tending to renew or refresh the living : invigorating (2) : destructive to life : mortal b : of the utmost importance <a vital clue> <vital resources>
5
: recording data relating to lives
6
: of, relating to, or constituting the staining of living tissues
— vi·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb
See vital defined for English-language learners
See vital defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of VITAL
Middle English, from Latin vitalis of life, from vita life; akin to Latin vivere to live — more at quick
Related to VITAL
Synonym Discussion of VITAL
essential, fundamental, vital, cardinal mean so important as to be indispensable. essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character <conflict is essential in drama>. fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse <fundamental principles of algebra>. vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation <cut off from vital supplies>. cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends <a cardinal rule in buying a home>.
Other Biology Terms
Rhymes with VITAL
VITAL Defined for Kids
vital
adjective vi·tal \ˈvī-təl\
Definition of VITAL for Kids
1
: concerned with or necessary to the continuation of life <The heart and lungs are vital organs.>
2
: full of life and energy <At 80, he's still an active and vital man.>
3
: very important <a vital clue>
— vi·tal·ly adverb <These are vitally needed supplies.>
Medical Dictionary
vital
adjective vi·tal \ˈvīt-əl\
Medical Definition of VITAL
1
a : existing as a manifestation of life b : concerned with or necessary to the maintenance of life <vital organs> <blood and other vital fluids>
2
: characteristic of life or living beings <vital activities>
3
: recording data relating to lives <vital records>
4
: of, relating to, or constituting the staining of living tissues
—vi·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adverb
Learn More About VITAL
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up vital? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).