1 altricial | Definition of altricial

altricial

adjective
al·​tri·​cial | \ al-ˈtri-shÉ™l How to pronounce altricial (audio) \

Definition of altricial

: being hatched or born or having young that are hatched or born in a very immature and helpless condition so as to require care for some time altricial birds — compare precocial

First Known Use of altricial

1869, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for altricial

Latin altric-, altrix, feminine of altor one who nourishes, from alere to nourish — more at old

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on altricial

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with altricial