life-form
noun
ˈlīf-ˈfȯrm 
-ˌfȯrm
: the body form that characterizes a kind of organism (such as a species) at maturity
also
: a kind of organism
Examples of life-form in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Scientists have long argued if the Ediacara fauna were true animals and not some sort of large-bodied amoeba, lichens (!), or a completely extinct branch of life-forms.
—
David Bressan, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
The findings suggest that such life-forms, which would not require water or organic matter to survive, should have the best chance to establish a foothold in extreme environments—whether in the distant past or on other planets.
—Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2024
Many of the life-forms that live in these depths are reliant on the polymetallic nodules, which form ever so gradually through chemical processes that cause metals to precipitate out of water around shell fragments and shark teeth, according to the Natural History Museum.
—Katie Hunt, CNN, 3 Apr. 2024
Others see messianic potential in the new life-forms, assuming that their greater technological capabilities must be accompanied by greater enlightenment.
—Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024
Anything salvaged would need to be carefully checked for contamination from Earth's soils and life-forms.
—Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 6 Dec. 2023
Perhaps the most reliable path to genuine restoration of our planet is to heed the wisdom of Indigenous communities around the world who look upon other life-forms as relatives instead of resources.
—Chirag Dhara, Scientific American, 8 Nov. 2023
But what about humbler life-forms that don’t readily inspire the same emotions — insects, fungi, worms, rodents — that may nonetheless be no less important in their ecosystems?
—Moises Velasquez-Manoff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2023
To do what’s right (which involves blowing up the Death Star-like Nomad), Joshua must wrap his mind around the idea that AI are sentient, emotional life-forms.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 26 Sep. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
David Bressan, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
The findings suggest that such life-forms, which would not require water or organic matter to survive, should have the best chance to establish a foothold in extreme environments—whether in the distant past or on other planets.
—Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2024
Many of the life-forms that live in these depths are reliant on the polymetallic nodules, which form ever so gradually through chemical processes that cause metals to precipitate out of water around shell fragments and shark teeth, according to the Natural History Museum.
—Katie Hunt, CNN, 3 Apr. 2024
Others see messianic potential in the new life-forms, assuming that their greater technological capabilities must be accompanied by greater enlightenment.
—Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024
Anything salvaged would need to be carefully checked for contamination from Earth's soils and life-forms.
—Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 6 Dec. 2023
Perhaps the most reliable path to genuine restoration of our planet is to heed the wisdom of Indigenous communities around the world who look upon other life-forms as relatives instead of resources.
—Chirag Dhara, Scientific American, 8 Nov. 2023
But what about humbler life-forms that don’t readily inspire the same emotions — insects, fungi, worms, rodents — that may nonetheless be no less important in their ecosystems?
—Moises Velasquez-Manoff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2023
To do what’s right (which involves blowing up the Death Star-like Nomad), Joshua must wrap his mind around the idea that AI are sentient, emotional life-forms.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 26 Sep. 2023
Dictionary Entries Near life-form
Cite this Entry
“Life-form.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life-form. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share