1 longevity | Definition of longevity

longevity

noun
lonĀ·​gevĀ·​iĀ·​ty | \ lƤn-ˈje-və-tē How to pronounce longevity (audio) , lČÆn-\

Definition of longevity

1a : a long duration of individual life The members of that family are noted for their longevity.
b : length of life a study of longevity
2 : long continuance : permanence, durability longevity in office is also an asset— Spencer Parratt

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Did You Know?

As living conditions improve and the science of medicine advances, the longevity of the average American has increased greatly, from about 45 years in 1900 to over 75 years today. But the most impressive human longevity is nothing compared to the 400-year lifespan of an ocean clam found near Iceland, or the 5,000-year lifespan of the bristlecone pine, a tree found in the western U.S. We may use longevity to talk not only about actual lives but also of the useful "life" of things: the life of your car's tires or the shingles on your roof, for example.

Examples of longevity in a Sentence

His longevity was remarkable considering he had been so sick when he was a child. Better medical treatment has led to greater longevity. a study of human longevity The longevity of a car's tires depends on how the car is driven. They're trying to increase the product's longevity.
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Recent Examples on the Web

In an interview earlier this year, McLean talked about the secret to the longevity of the band. Alison Medley, Houston Chronicle, "Backstreet Boys bring high energy to Houston fans for their 'DNA World Tour'," 31 Aug. 2019 The raft probably increases the longevity and distance of certain taxonomic groups. Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, "Don’t Believe the Hype: The Pumice Raft Won’t Save the Great Barrier Reef," 30 Aug. 2019 There’s a lot of directions Serkis could take the sequel, but having the latest Venom-centric event in his periphery could certainly help him ensure the longevity of the franchise. Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, "Will Andy Serkis Take 'Venom 2' in a Darker Direction?," 8 Aug. 2019 The strip’s achievement, and a significant reason for its longevity, is its creation of a space of inquiry that is never closed off. Nicole Rudick, The New Yorker, "How ā€œPeanutsā€ Created a Space for Thinking," 6 Aug. 2019 The Missions’ bullpen is built for longevity as Sweet said the organization focuses on building multiple-inning pitchers. Alex Miller, ExpressNews.com, "Pitching staff carrying Missions into final month of season," 5 Aug. 2019 The Natick crew has been experimenting with different ways to encapsulate nutrients in the discs for longevity. Tyler Kord, Popular Mechanics, "Cooking (and Shrinking) the Modern Combat Ration," 29 June 2019 Loneliness takes a physical toll, according to researchers, and is worse for longevity than being obese or physically inactive. Kelsey Gee, WSJ, "Houseparty Chat App Co-Founder Sees ā€˜Loneliness Epidemic’ on the Horizon," 22 May 2019 Being the internet’s flavor of the month is not exactly a recipe for career longevity. Constance Grady, Vox, "Noah Centineo and the rise of the wholesome internet boyfriend, explained," 28 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'longevity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of longevity

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for longevity

Late Latin longaevitas, from Latin longaevus long-lived, from longus long + aevum age — more at aye

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More Definitions for longevity

longevity

noun

English Language Learners Definition of longevity

: long life : the fact of living for many years
: length of life
: the length of time that something or someone lasts or continues

longevity

noun
lonĀ·​gevĀ·​iĀ·​ty | \ lƤn-ˈjev-ət-ē, lČÆn- How to pronounce longevity (audio) \
plural longevities

Medical Definition of longevity

1 : a long duration of individual life attributed his longevity to daily exercise and a healthy diet
2 : length of life studies in longevity

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