Dictionary
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).
5. Philos.
a. to have timeless or abstract existence, as a number, relation, etc.
b. to have existence, esp. independent existence.
—
v.t.
to provide sustenance or support for; maintain.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.