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subsist

 - 2 dictionary results

sub⋅sist

  [suhb-sist]
Use subsist in a Sentence
–verb (used without object)
1. to exist; continue in existence.
2. to remain alive; live, as on food, resources, etc.
3. to have existence in, or by reason of, something.
4. to reside, lie, or consist (usually fol. by in).
5. Philosophy.
a. to have timeless or abstract existence, as a number, relation, etc.
b. to have existence, esp. independent existence.
–verb (used with object)
6. to provide sustenance or support for; maintain.
Origin:
1540–50; < L subsistere to remain, equiv. to sub- sub- + sistere to stand, make stand; see stand

Related forms:
sub⋅sist⋅ing⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To subsist
sub·sist   (səb-sĭst')   
v.   sub·sist·ed, sub·sist·ing, sub·sists

v.   intr.

    1. To exist; be.

    2. To remain or continue in existence.

  2. To maintain life; live: subsisted on one meal a day.

  3. To be logically conceivable.

v.   tr.
To maintain or support with provisions.

[Latin subsistere, to support : sub-, sub- + sistere, to stand; see stā- in Indo-European roots.]
sub·sist'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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