imprinting
[ im-prin-ting ]
/ ɪmˈprɪn tɪŋ /
|
noun Animal Behavior, Psychology.
rapid learning that occurs during a brief receptive period, typically soon after birth or hatching, and establishes a long-lasting behavioral response to a specific individual or object, as attachment to parent, offspring, or site.
Nearby words
imprest fund, imprimatur, imprimis, imprint, imprinter, imprinting, imprison, imprisonment, improbability, improbable, improbity
Definition for imprinting (2 of 2)
imprint
[ noun im-print; verb im-print ]
/ noun ˈɪm prɪnt; verb ɪmˈprɪnt /
noun
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
to make an impression; have an effect.
Origin of imprint
Related formsre·im·print, verb (used with object)un·im·print·ed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for imprinting
British Dictionary definitions for imprinting (1 of 2)
imprinting
/ (ɪmˈprɪntɪŋ) /
noun
the development through exceptionally fast learning in young animals of recognition of and attraction to members of their own species or to surrogates
British Dictionary definitions for imprinting (2 of 2)
imprint
noun (ˈɪmprɪnt)
a mark or impression produced by pressure, printing, or stamping
a characteristic mark or indication; stampthe imprint of great sadness on his face
the publisher's name and address, usually with the date of publication, in a book, pamphlet, etc
the printer's name and address on any printed matter
verb (ɪmˈprɪnt)
Derived Formsimprinter, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for imprinting
imprint
late 14c., from Old French empreinter, from empreinte, noun use of fem. past participle of eimpreindre "to impress, imprint," from Vulgar Latin *impremere, from Latin imprimere "to impress, imprint" (see impress). As a noun from mid-15c.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for imprinting
imprinting
[ ĭm′prĭn′tĭng ]
n.
A learning process occurring early in the life of a social animal in which a specific behavior pattern is established through association with a parent or other role model.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for imprinting
imprinting
[ ĭm′prĭn′tĭng ]
A rapid learning process by which a newborn or very young animal establishes a behavior pattern of recognition and attraction towards other animals of its own kind, as well as to specific individuals of its species, such as its parents, or to a substitute for these. Ducklings, for example, will imprint upon and follow the first large moving object they observe. In nature, this is usually their mother, but they can be made to imprint upon other moving objects, such as a soccer ball.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.