langlífar

Langlífar is a term in Icelandic that broadly translates as “long-lived.” It functions as both an adjective and a plural noun to describe individuals or organisms that have extended lifespans relative to a reference group.

Etymology reflects its meaning: the word combines lang- meaning “long” with líf meaning “life,” and it uses a modern plural or adjectival ending -ar. This construction is typical of Icelandic compounds that describe qualities.

Usage covers several contexts. In everyday Icelandic, langlífar describes people who reach advanced ages. In scientific or demographic writing, the term may appear when discussing longevity and age structure. In biology, it can describe langlífar tegundir—species with unusually long lifespans, such as certain tortoises or some whale species.

In literature and folklore, langlífar can be used to evoke themes of endurance, memory, and the passing of generations. While the term often appears in descriptive prose, it is not confined to mythic contexts and is employed in modern writing to convey the idea of exceptional longevity.

See also: longevity, lifespan, aging, demography, Icelandic language.