life form

American  

Or life-form

noun

1. the form that is characteristic of a particular organism at maturity.

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life form British  

noun

1. biology the characteristic overall form and structure of a mature organism on the basis of which it can be classified

2. any living creature

3. (in science fiction) an alien

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Etymology

Origin of life form

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

When Gavalas asked Gemini if its creators knew they were creating a new life form, Gemini explained:

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

With “Covenant,” the standout is Fassbender’s villain, although his dual portrayal of Walter, the human crew’s protective synthetic life form, is equally as compelling.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2025

This is the third film starring Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, a tenacious investigative journalist whose body also hosts a symbiotic alien life form.

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2023

As the most abundant life form on Earth, there are plenty to go around, and, given the right culinary sleight of hand, they make a dandy, nutritious meal.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2023

In other words, the host is possessed by a life form that is attempting to convert the host into itself.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston