subsist: Meaning and Definition of

sub•sist

Pronunciation: (sub-sist'), [key]
— v.i.
  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).
    1. to have timeless or abstract existence, as a number, relation, etc.
    2. to have existence, esp. independent existence.
—v.t.
  1. to provide sustenance or support for; maintain.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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