inquiline
[ in-kwuh-lahyn, -lin ]
/ ˈɪn kwəˌlaɪn, -lɪn /
|
noun
Zoology. an animal living in the nest, burrow, or body of another animal.
adjective
of the nature of an inquiline.
Nearby words
inqilab, inquartation, inquest, inquiet, inquietude, inquiline, inquilinous, inquire, inquire after, inquirer, inquiring
Origin of inquiline
Related formsin·qui·lin·i·ty [in-kwuh-lin-i-tee] /ˌɪn kwəˈlɪn ɪ ti/, nounin·qui·li·nous [in-kwuh-lahy-nuh s] /ˌɪn kwəˈlaɪ nəs/, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for inquiline
The colonies of Bombus illustrate the rise of the inquiline habit.
Inquiline: a species living in a gall or other structure prepared by a different species, not as a parasite but as, a guest.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology|John. B. SmithInquiline, in′kwi-lin, adj. living in the abode of another, as a pea-crab in an oyster-shell.
Inquiline: living as guests in the homes of others; as in galls.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology|John. B. Smith
British Dictionary definitions for inquiline
inquiline
/ (ˈɪnkwɪˌlaɪn) /
noun
an animal that lives in close association with another animal without harming itSee also commensal (def. 1)
adjective
of or living as an inquiline
Derived Formsinquilinism (ˈɪnkwɪlɪˌnɪzəm) or inquilinity (ˌɪnkwɪˈlɪnɪtɪ), nouninquilinous (ˌɪnkwɪˈlaɪnəs), adjective
Word Origin for inquiline
C17: from Latin inquilīnus lodger, from in- ² + colere to dwell
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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