lifespan
noun/ˈlaɪf.spæn/
Etymology From life + span.
1
Biology, Natural sciences The length of time for which an organism lives.
- Meronym: healthspan
- Some clams have lifespans far longer than those of human beings.
3 more examples
- 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:
2
Broadly The 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:
- 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: