What if we could use the notion of entropy in a definition of life?<p>Living things use energy to prevent entropy (decay?) while they are alive.<p>On the other hand, natural, non-living processes do no such thing, and increase entropy as governed by the law of thermodynamics.<p>We could also use criteria such as growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction. However, crystalline structures also grow and chemical processes may produce more of a certain molecule. All of those seek some energy minimizing equilibrium without any mitigating mechanisms.