1 inquiline | Definition of inquiline

inquiline

noun
in·​qui·​line | \ ˈin-kwÉ™-ËŒlÄ«n How to pronounce inquiline (audio) , ˈiÅ‹-, -lÉ™n\

Definition of inquiline

: an animal that lives habitually in the nest or abode of some other species

First Known Use of inquiline

1879, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for inquiline

Latin inquilinus tenant, lodger, from in- + colere to cultivate, dwell — more at wheel

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More Definitions for inquiline

inquiline

noun
in·​qui·​line | \ ˈin-kwÉ™-ËŒlÄ«n, ˈiÅ‹-, -lÉ™n How to pronounce inquiline (audio) \

Medical Definition of inquiline

: an animal (as the house mouse) that lives habitually in the nest or abode (as a human dwelling) of some other species

Other Words from inquiline

inquilinism \ -​lÉ™-​ËŒniz-​É™m How to pronounce inquilinism (audio) \ noun

More from Merriam-Webster on inquiline

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inquiline