vital function

noun

, Physiology.

1. any function of the body that is essential for life.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vital function¹

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

By this point, the kidneys are no longer able to perform the vital function of filtering your blood.

From Freakonomics

Liver cells perform a gamut of vital functions, without which humans wouldn’t last a day, says Karlsen.

From Ozy

Now, our schools welcome all comers but they continue to perform a vital function for the life of the church.

From The Daily Beast

Water is absolutely essential to the performance of every vital function connected with human metabolism.

From Project Gutenberg

It is engendered in the Reproductive System; which may be regarded as the power-house of Life and vital function.

From Project Gutenberg

Conclusive proof of the diminution of vital function during sleep is thus obtained.

From Project Gutenberg

Vomit—a settled word, and one of the foremost, of the reversed, unnatural vital function.

From Project Gutenberg

No one has done more to bring out the depths there are in vital function than Bernard.

From Project Gutenberg