Survival \Sur*viv"al\, n. [From Survive.]

1. A living or continuing longer than, or beyond the existence of, another person, thing, or event; an outliving.

2. (Arh[ae]ol. & Ethnol.) Any habit, usage, or belief, remaining from ancient times, the origin of which is often unknown, or imperfectly known.

The close bearing of the doctrine of survival on the study of manners and customs. --Tylor.

Survival of the fittest. (Biol.) See Natural selection, under Natural.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)