Lifeblood
/ˈlaɪf.blʌd/noun
The essential element or factor that sustains life.
Did you know?In ancient beliefs, blood was often considered the carrier of the soul, making it a potent symbol of life and vitality in rituals and sacrifices.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
līfblōd
“blood that sustains life, vital essence.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*libō
“life, existence.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leip-
“to remain, to be left.”
Middle English
ME
lifblod
“blood necessary for living.”
Modern English
English
lifeblood
“figurative use for something fundamentally vital.”