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nonlife

American  
[non-lahyf] / nɒnˈlaɪf /

noun

  1. lack or absence of life.


Etymology

Origin of nonlife

First recorded in 1725–35; non- + life

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"The method captured not only the distinction between life and nonlife, but also degrees of preservation and alteration."

From Science Daily • May 12, 2026

However, nonlife insurers will experience revenue squeezed by pricing pressure next year, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

Robinson was later found at a hospital where he was treated for nonlife threatening injuries.

From Washington Post • Oct. 23, 2021

Modern cosmology and astrobiology have most of the questions I look for—the idea of the transition from nonlife, to life, to me, is absolutely fascinating.

From Scientific American • Mar. 20, 2019

They carry on their existence in the borderlands between life and nonlife.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

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