lifeblood

/ˈlaɪfˌblʌd/
noun
  1. Something that is essential for the existence, strength, or success of something.
    • Water is the lifeblood of the desert ecosystem.
    • Tourism is the lifeblood of the island's economy.
    • Volunteers are the lifeblood of this charity organization.
  2. The blood that is necessary for life.
    • The vampire drank the victim's lifeblood.
    • The wound was deep, and his lifeblood poured out.
    • In ancient times, people believed lifeblood carried the soul.
What does "lifeblood" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean