longest-lived
UK[ˈlɒŋɡɪst ˈlɪvd]US[ˈlɔːŋɡɪst ˈlɪvd]
adj
having the greatest length of life; living or existing for a longer time than anyone or anything else of its kind.
Morpheme Breakdown
longest
lived
longest
most long
lived
having life
Etymology
the compound adjective 'longest-lived' is formed within english by combining the superlative form of 'long' with the adjective 'lived', which itself derives from the verb 'to live'. the old english root 'lang' is from proto-germanic langaz, meaning 'long', and is related to concepts of duration and extent. the verb 'live' originates from old english 'libban' or 'lifian', from proto-germanic libēną, meaning 'to remain, to be alive'. the construction follows a transparent english pattern for creating descriptive compound adjectives, literally meaning "having the most long life," to denote the supreme duration of existence within a comparative group.
Analysis
Structure: longest (most long) + lived (having life)
- longest: from old english 'lang' (long) + the superlative suffix '-est'. the root is of germanic origin.
- lived: from old english 'lifian' (to live) + the past participle suffix '-ed', forming an adjective meaning 'having a life of a specified duration'.
Examples
the giant tortoise is often considered one of the longest-lived terrestrial animals.
her groundbreaking research focused on the habits of the longest-lived mammals in the arctic.
this ancient oak tree is the longest-lived organism in the entire forest.