apatetic

[ ap-uh-tet-ik ]
/ ˌæp əˈtɛt ɪk /

adjective Zoology.

assuming colors and forms that effect deceptive camouflage.

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Origin of apatetic

1885–90; < Greek apatētikós fallacious, equivalent to apatē- (variant stem of apateúein to deceive) + -tikos -tic

Words nearby apatetic

apartment hotel, apartment house, apartmentize, apast, apastron, apatetic, apathetic, apathism, apathy, apatite, apatosaurus
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for apatetic

apatetic
/ (ˌæpəˈtɛtɪk) /

adjective

of or relating to coloration that disguises and protects an animal

Word Origin for apatetic

C19: from Greek apatētikos deceitful, from apateuein to deceive
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012