English

Alternative forms

• life span

Noun

lifespan ‎(plural lifespans)

1. The length of time for which an organism lives.
   • 2012 March-April, Anna Lena Phillips, “Sneaky Silk Moths”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 2, page 172:

     Last spring, the periodical cicadas emerged across eastern North America. Their vast numbers and short above-ground life spans inspired awe and irritation in humans—and made for good meals for birds and small mammals.

   Some clams have lifespans far longer than those of human beings.

2. (by extension)  The length of time for which something exists or is current or valid.
   • 2002, Luis M Camarinha-Matos, Collaborative business ecosystems and virtual enterprises

     The virtual enterprise forum developed several "classical" management functions for which resources were available throughout its lifespan.

Synonyms

• lifetime

Translations