tree of life

American  

noun

1. a tree in the Garden of Eden that yielded food giving everlasting life. Genesis 2:9; 3:22.

2. a tree in the heavenly Jerusalem with leaves for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:2.

3. arbor vitae.

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tree of life British  

noun

1. Old Testament a tree in the Garden of Eden, the fruit of which had the power of conferring eternal life (Genesis 2:9; 3:22)

2. New Testament a tree in the heavenly Jerusalem, for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:2)

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Etymology

Origin of tree of life

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English

Example Sentences

For decades, scientists have tried to understand where viruses came from, how they evolved, and how they fit into the tree of life.

From Science Daily

By comparing genetic similarities and differences, they built an expanded Asgard archaea tree of life.

From Science Daily

After narrowing the data to several thousand species, the researchers placed the enzyme sequences onto an evolutionary tree of life.

From Science Daily

Parker, speaking from his office, which is decorated in white decals of rove beetles — which his lab exclusively focuses on — said it pays to explore “obscure branches of the tree of life.”

From Los Angeles Times

But residents can no longer view the bright autumn colours of the tree of life, a symbol often painted by Behzad, as the wooden door has been padlocked shut.

From Barron's