lifeline

== English == === Alternative forms === life-line, life line === Etymology === From life +‎ line. === Pronunciation === enPR: līfʹlīn' IPA(key): /ˈlaɪfˌlaɪn/ === Noun === lifeline (plural lifelines) A line to which a drowning or falling victim may cling. (by extension) A source of salvation in a crisis. A means or route for transporting indispensable supplies. (engineering) A system or structure of vital importance to a community. (nautical) On the deck of a boat, a line to which one can attach oneself to stay aboard on rough seas. Synonym: jackstay (underwater diving) A line from the diver to a tender at the surface control point. Synonym: tether (palmistry) A particular crease in the palm. Synonym: line of life ==== Descendants ==== → Japanese: ライフライン (raifurain) ==== Translations ==== === Further reading === lifeline on Wikipedia.Wikipedia