[lahyf-lahyn] 
| 1. | a line, fired across a ship or boat, by means of which a hawser for a breeches buoy may be hauled aboard. |
| 2. | a line or rope for saving life, as one attached to a lifeboat. |
| 3. | any of various lines running above the decks, spars, etc., of a ship or boat to give sailors something to grasp when there is danger of falling or being washed away. |
| 4. | a wire safety rope supported by stanchions along the edge of the deck of a yacht. |
| 5. | the line by which a diver is lowered and raised. |
| 6. | any of several anchored lines used by swimmers for support. |
| 7. | a route or means of transportation or communication for receiving or delivering food, medicine, or assistance: This road is the town's lifeline and must be kept open despite the snow. |
| 8. | assistance at a critical time. |
| life·line (līf'līn') n.
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