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definitions

vital signs

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR vital signs ON THESAURUS.COM

plural noun

essential body functions, comprising pulse rate, body temperature, and respiration, used as a measure of health or physical condition.

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RELATED WORDS

temperature

Nearby words

  1. vital force,
  2. vital function,
  3. vital index,
  4. vital pulp,
  5. vital red,
  6. vital stain,
  7. vital staining,
  8. vital statistics,
  9. vitalian,
  10. vitalism

Origin of vital signs

First recorded in 1915–20
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for vital signs

vital signs

pl n

med indications that a person is still alive. Vital signs include a heartbeat, a pulse that can be felt, breathing, and body temperature
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for vital signs

vital signs

pl.n.

The rates or values indicating an individual's pulse, temperature, and respiration.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for vital signs

vital signs

The pulse rate, temperature, respiratory rate, and usually blood pressure of an individual.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Culture definitions for vital signs

vital signs

The pulse rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and rate of respiration of a person. The vital signs are usually measured to obtain a quick evaluation of the person's general physical condition.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.