Life

The state that distinguishes organisms from inorganic matter, manifested by growth, metabolism, reproduction, and adaptation. It includes the course of existence, the sum of experiences, the mode of existing, or the fact of being. Over the centuries inquiries into the nature of life have crossed the boundaries from philosophy to biology, forensic medicine, anthropology, etc., in creative as well as scientific literature. (Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2d ed; Dr. James H. Cassedy, NLM History of Medicine Division)

Year introduced: 1997

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Tree Number(s): K01.752.400

MeSH Unique ID: D019369

Previous Indexing:

• Philosophy (1966-1996)
• Philosophy, Medical (1966-1996)

All MeSH Categories
Humanities Category
Humanities
Philosophy
Life
Beginning of Human Life
Quality of Life
Psychological Well-Being
Value of Life