living thing
Definition
- Noun:
- A living (or once living) entity: An organism that is or was alive, characterized by biological processes such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli. This includes all forms of life, from microorganisms to plants and animals.
Usage
- The term "living thing" is a common, accessible phrase used to refer broadly to any organism. It is often used in educational or general contexts to distinguish biological entities from inanimate objects.
- It can refer to entities that are currently alive or those that were alive in the past (e.g., fossils, remains).
Examples
- Noun:
- A plant is a living thing that needs sunlight and water.
- We must respect all living things in the forest.
- The fossil is evidence of a living thing from millions of years ago.
Advanced Usage
- "Once-living thing": Used to specify an entity that was alive but is not anymore, emphasizing its biological origin.
- Charcoal is made from once-living things like wood.
Variants and Related Words
- Organism (n): A more formal or scientific synonym for a living thing, typically referring to an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form.
- A bacterium is a single-celled organism.
- Life form (n): A term often used in science fiction or general discussion to refer to an entity that possesses life.
- Scientists search for other life forms in the universe.
Synonyms
- Being: An existing living creature (often used for conscious entities like humans or animals).
- Creature: A living being, especially an animal.
Related Phrases
- Living being: A phrase with identical meaning to "living thing," sometimes used for emphasis or in more formal contexts.
- Every living being has a role in the ecosystem.
Noun
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a living (or once living) entity
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