lifeline

English

/ˈlaɪfˌlaɪn/

noun
Definitions
  • A line to which a drowning or falling victim may cling.
  • (by extension) A source of salvation in a crisis.
  • A means or route for transporting indispensable supplies.
  • (engineering) System or structure of vital importance to a community.
  • (nautical) On the deck of a boat, a line to which one can attach oneself to stay aboard on rough seas.
  • (diving) A line from the diver to a tender at the surface control point.
  • (palmistry) A particular crease in the palm.

Etymology

Compound from English life + English line (figure, stated positions of a political religious group).

Origin

English

line

Gloss

figure, stated positions of a political religious group

Kanji

姿

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms