osculant

[ os-kyuh-luhnt ]

adjective

1. united by certain common characteristics.
2. adhering closely; embracing.

osculant

/ ˈɒskjʊlənt /

adjective

1. biology (of an organism or group of organisms) possessing some of the characteristics of two different taxonomic groups
2. zoology closely joined or adhering

Word History and Origins

Origin of osculant¹

1810–20; < Latin ōsculant- (stem of ōsculāns ), present participle of ōsculārī to kiss; osculate, -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of osculant¹

C19: from Latin ōsculārī to kiss; see osculum

Example Sentences

That proximate circles or larger groups are connected by the intervention of lesser groups, which he denominates osculant.

From Project Gutenberg

In this scheme the osculant classes are those placed between the circles.

From Project Gutenberg

If each circle is regarded as absolute, the series is broken, though the osculant groups connect the circular ones.

From Project Gutenberg

Osculant: intermediate in character between two groups or series.

From Project Gutenberg

This is another osculant Order, evidently connecting the Coleoptera with the Orthoptera.

From Project Gutenberg