vital Meaning, Definition & Usage

adjective satellite urgently needed; absolutely necessary
critical.
- a critical element of the plan
- critical medical supplies
- vital for a healthy society
- of vital interest
adjective satellite performing an essential function in the living body
life-sustaining.
- vital organs
- blood and other vital fluids
- the loss of vital heat in shock
- a vital spot
- life-giving love and praise
adjective satellite full of spirit
full of life; lively.
- a dynamic full of life woman
- a vital and charismatic leader
- this whole lively world
adjective satellite manifesting or characteristic of life
- a vital, living organism
- vital signs

F., fr. L. vitalis, fr. vita life; akin to vivere to live. See Vivid.

Belonging or relating to life, either animal or vegetable; as, vital energies; vital functions; vital actions.
Contributing to life; necessary to, or supporting, life; as, vital blood.
Do the heavens afford him vital food? Spenser.

And vital virtue infused, and vital warmth. Milton.
Containing life; living. "Spirits that live throughout, vital in every part." Milton.
Being the seat of life; being that on which life depends; mortal.
The dart flew on, and pierced a vital part. Pope.
Very necessary; highly important; essential.
A competence is vital to content. Young.
Capable of living; in a state to live; viable. R.
Pythagoras and Hippocrates . . . affirm the birth of the seventh month to be vital. Sir T. Browne.