ˈvaɪtl adj. & n. --adj. 1
of,
concerned with, or
essential to
organic life (vital functions). 2 essential to
the existence of a
thing or to the
matter in
hand (a vital
question;
secrecy is vital). 3 full of life or
activity. 4 affecting life. 5
fatal to life or to
success etc. (a vital error). 6 disp.
important. --n. (in pl.) the body's vital organs, e.g. the
heart and brain. øvital
capacity the
volume of
air that can be expelled
from the lungs
after taking the deepest
possible breath. vital force 1 (in Bergson's philosophy) life-force. 2
any mysterious vital
principle. vital
power the power to
sustain life. vital
statistics 1 the
number of births, marriages, deaths, etc. 2 colloq. the measurements of a woman's bust,
waist, and hips. øøvitally adv. [ME f. OF f. L vitalis f. vita life]