Definition

Noun (plural) 1. Essential bodily organs: The vital organs of the body, such as the heart, lungs, and brain, that are necessary to sustain life. 2. Crucial parts: (Figurative) The most important or essential parts of a system, structure, or organization.

Usage and Examples

• The doctor checked the patient's vitals—heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature—to assess their condition.
• In a serious accident, protecting your vitals from impact is critical.
• (Figurative) The research and development department is the vitals of this technology company; without it, the company cannot innovate.

Advanced Usage

• To strike/hit the vitals: To target or damage the most crucial part of something.
  • The new regulations strike at the vitals of the industry's current business model.
• Often used in medical or survival contexts to refer collectively to signs of life or critical organs.

Variants and Related Words

• Vital (adjective): Absolutely necessary or important; full of life and energy.
  • Water is vital for survival.
  • She is a vital member of the team.
• Vitality (noun): The state of being strong, active, and full of life.
  • Despite his age, he has incredible vitality.

Synonyms

• Vital organs
• Life-sustaining organs
• Essentials
• Core
• Heart (figurative)

Related Phrases

• Vital signs: Clinical measurements (pulse, temperature, respiration rate, blood pressure) that indicate the state of a patient's essential bodily functions. While "vitals" is sometimes used informally for "vital signs," it more accurately refers to the organs themselves.

Noun

1. a bodily organ that is essential for life