free-living

[ free-liv-ing ]

adjective

1. following a way of life in which one freely indulges the appetites, desires, etc.
2. Biology. noting an organism that is neither parasitic, symbiotic, nor sessile.

free-living

adjective

1. given to ready indulgence of the appetites
2. (of animals and plants) not parasitic; existing independently

Derived Forms

• ˌfree-ˈliver, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of free-living¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

The same year, 1991, saw Billy Crystal et al as depressed urbanites turned free-living cattle drivers in City Slickers.

From The Daily Beast

Outside the body the rhabditiform embryos develop into a free-living, sexually differentiated generation.

From Project Gutenberg

In the last stage of a life hurried to a termination by free living, dropsical symptoms became the most distressing.

From Project Gutenberg

In consequence of very free living, had an ascites and swelled legs.

From Project Gutenberg

The parasitic forms differ anatomically from the free-living worms.

From Project Gutenberg

We see, then, that the origin of all these free-living cells can be traced back to the very earliest of the Metazoa.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• squandering