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vital function

American  

noun

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


Etymology

Origin of vital function

First recorded in 1795–1805

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.

Conditions such as hypertension and diabetes can compromise this vital function, leading to a kidney failure -- irreversible condition necessitating lifelong treatment through artificial hemodialysis or donor kidney transplantation.

From Science Daily • Jan. 17, 2024

In many ways, celebrities perform a vital function, partly by providing material for the rest of us to dissect, praise, criticise and make into memes.

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2022

Ms. Carlson said the department’s loans serve a vital function because they can help technologies and companies that have demonstrated some commercial success but need more money to become financially viable.

From New York Times • Aug. 22, 2022

He acknowledged that the port plays a vital function, “but at what cost?”

From Seattle Times • Dec. 24, 2021

The Hibernation both of animal and vegetative organisms shows two poles of vital function; Life and Consciousness passing into the Recessive, or potential, mode during such winter-sleep.

From Feminism and Sex-Extinction by Kenealy, Arabella