inquiline Hear it!

inquiline Definition

in·qui·line (in′kwə līn′, -lin)

noun

an animal, usually an insect, that lives in the nest or abode of another, with or without harm to the host

Etymology: L inquilinus, inhabitant < in-, in + stem of colere, to till, dwell: see cult

inquiline Related Forms
in′·qui·lin·ism′ (-lin iz′əm) noun
inquiline Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • specie: Also, most of the parasitoid and inquiline species that attack hosts in cynipid galls are reported to be generalists.