life-and-death

[lahyf-uhn-deth]

life-and-death

[lahyf-uhn-deth]
adjective
ending with the death or possible death of one of the participants; crucially important: The cobra was engaged in a life-and-death struggle with the mongoose.


Origin:
1680–90
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Life-and-death is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
WordNet
life-and-death

adjective
vitally important; "a life-and-death struggle" 
WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
Cite This Source
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