The term 'LIFE PERIOD' can be broken down into two words, 'LIFE' and 'PERIOD'. The first word, 'LIFE', is defined as the existence of a living being or the quality that distinguishes living organisms from inanimate matter. The second word, 'PERIOD', is defined as a length of time during which a certain condition, state, or activity exists or continues. When combined, the term 'LIFE PERIOD' can refer to any stage of LIFE, such as CHILDHOOD. In this case, 'CHILDHOOD' is a nine-letter word that can be used to describe the LIFE PERIOD of a person from birth to adolescence.