vitals

[vahyt-lz]

plural noun

1. those bodily organs that are essential to life, as the brain, heart, liver, lungs, and stomach.

2. the essential parts of something.

   the vitals of a democracy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vitals¹

1600–10; translation of Latin vītālia; vital

Related Words

• essential 
• fundamental 
• obligation 
• precondition 
• prerequisite 
• requirement 
• urgency