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Descriptor in English: Life
Descriptor in Spanish: Vida
Descriptor in Portuguese: Vida
Descriptor in French: Vie
Tree number(s): K01.752.400
Scope note: 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)
History Note: 97
DeCS UI: 33191
Descriptor UI: D019369
Date Established: 1997/01/01
Date of Entry: 1996/06/10
Revision Date: 2002/07/03
Life - Preferred
Concept UI M0028824
Scope note 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)
Preferred term Life



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