free-living
[free-liv-ing]
- following a way of life in which one freely indulges the appetites, desires, etc.
- Biology. noting an organism that is neither parasitic, symbiotic, nor sessile.
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Origin of free-living
First recorded in 1810–20
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
intemperanceindulgenceprofligacydissolutionabandonmentevilextravagancedissolutenessdrunkennessexcesslavishnessprodigalitywastedebaucheryself-gratificationfree-livingExamples from the Web for free-living
Historical Examples
Among the free-living non-pathogenic forms much larger examples are found.
Disease and Its CausesWilliam Thomas Councilman
The parasitic forms differ anatomically from the free-living worms.
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tideAugusta Foote Arnold
Up to the present no intentional practical utilization of this valuable property of these free-living forms has been made.
The Fundamentals of BacteriologyCharles Bradfield Morrey
Known dates for nesting of free-living females were distributed rather evenly through the month of June.
Slightly less than half of the free-living individuals studied grew in the season of hatching.
free-living
- given to ready indulgence of the appetites
- (of animals and plants) not parasitic; existing independently
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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