lifespan

plural lifespans · alternative life span

1. biologyThe length of time for which an organism lives.

   Meronym: healthspan

   4 more examples

   Some clams have lifespans far longer than those of human beings.

   What the devil happened to my year? Another little digit on my lifespan, what a bore.

   2011, Felix Hagan, “Just Like All The Rest”, in Dawn Breaks, the Monster Wakes...

   Last spring, the periodical cicadas emerged across eastern North America. Their vast numbers and short above-ground life spans inspired awe and irritation in humans—and made for good meals for birds and small mammals.

   2012 March-April, Anna Lena Phillips, “Sneaky Silk Moths”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 2, archived from the original on 19 Feb 2013, page 172

   Asari Cultural VI: Due to our lifespan-sometimes reaching 1,000 years of age-we are patient in our decisions, and prefer long-term solutions over short-term gains.

   2017, BioWare, Mass Effect: Andromeda, Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Nexus

   Synonyms: lifetime

2. broadlyThe length of time for which something exists or is current, valid, or usable.

   The virtual enterprise forum developed several "classical" management functions for which resources were available throughout its lifespan.

   2002, Luis M Camarinha-Matos, Collaborative business ecosystems and virtual enterprises

   1 more example

   The reactor, located in the city of Fuqing city in China’s southeastern Fujian province, was designed to have a 60-year lifespan, with its core equipment domestically produced.

   2021 January 30, “China’s first Hualong One nuclear reactor begins operations”, in AP News, archived from the original on 30 Jan 2021

   Synonyms: lifetime, working life[durable good]]s>