Definition

Not essential or necessary for life or functioning; something that is not crucial.

Example

The nonvital organs can be removed without causing immediate harm to the body.

Conversation

I was reading about how some organs are considered nonvital for survival.

Really? I didn't know that! Which ones are they?

Things like the spleen, for example, are nonvital but still play a role in our health.

That’s interesting! I guess we can live without them, but they do help.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nonvital → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "vital" (from Latin "vitalis", meaning essential to life). The word "nonvital" means not essential to life or not necessary for survival.

Memory Tip

Think of 'non-' meaning 'not' and 'vital' meaning 'essential to life' — so nonvital refers to something that is not essential for living.

Visually Confused Words