Inquiline (noun) (zoology)
in-kwil-ine
An animal exploiting the living space of another, e.g. an insect that lays its eggs in a gall produced by another.
Mid 17th century from Latin inquilinus ‘temporary resident’, from in- ‘into’ + colere ‘dwell’.
Example sentences
“an inquiline insect”
Chypre (noun) sheep-re A heady perfume made from Sandalwood. Late 19th century from French, literally ‘Cyprus’, perhaps where it was first made. (more…)
Guddle (verb) (Scots) gud-l To fish with the hands by groping under stones or at the bank of a stream. Mid 17th century of unknown origin. (more…)
Bonobo (adj) bon-o-bo A chimpanzee with a black face and black hair, found in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire). It is believed to be the closest…
Moonlighting (verb) moon-lie-ting Have a second job, typically secretly and at night, in addition to one's regular employment. From working at night, by moonlight (more…)
Hallion (noun) (Scots/Irish) hal-ee-un A worthless or contemptible person. Late 18th century origin uncertain. (more…)
Cumber (verb) kum-ber (dated) Hamper or hinder. Middle English (in the sense ‘overthrow, destroy’): probably from encumber. (more…)
Diacritic (noun) dai-a-krit-ik A sign, such as an accent or cedilla, which when written above or below a letter indicates a difference in pronunciation from the same letter when unmarked…
Scry (verb) s-krai Foretell the future using a crystal ball or other reflective object or surface. Early 16th century shortening of descry. (more…)
Xeric (adj) zee-rik (ecology) (of an environment or habitat) containing little moisture; very dry. 1920s from xero-‘dry’ + -ic. (more…)