1 intr. (often foll. by on) keep oneself alive; be kept alive (subsists on vegetables).
2 intr. remain in being; exist.
3 intr. (foll. by in) be attributable to (its excellence subsists in its freshness).
4 tr. archaic provide sustenance for.
Derivatives:
subsistent adj.
Etymology: L subsistere stand firm (as SUB-, sistere set, stand)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.