vi•talˈvaɪt l(adj.)

1. of, pertaining to, or necessary to life:

   vital processes.

   Category: Biology

2. energetic, lively, or forceful:

   a vital leader.

3. necessary to the existence, continuance, or well-being of something; essential.

4. of critical importance:

   vital decisions.

5. deadly:

   a vital wound.

Origin of vital:

1350–1400; < L vītālis=vīt(a) life, der. of vīvere to live (akin to bio- , quick , Skt jīvati (he) lives) +-ālis -al1

vi′tal•ness(n.)