animalian
|an-i-ma-li-an|
/ˌænɪˈmeɪliən/
pertaining to animals; animal-like
Etymology
'animalian' originates from New Latin, specifically the taxonomic term 'Animalia,' ultimately from Latin 'animal' (from 'anima,' meaning 'breath, soul'), with the English adjectival suffix '-an.'
'Animalia' in scientific Latin influenced the English formation 'animalian,' which developed in English to mean 'of or pertaining to animals.'
Initially, it denoted a relation to the taxonomic group 'Animalia,' and it broadened to the general sense of 'pertaining to animals' or 'animal-like.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to animals or to the biological kingdom Animalia; of or concerning animal life.
The study compared animalian cell structures with those of plants.
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Adjective 2
having qualities characteristic of animals; animal-like in nature or behavior.
The sculpture has an animalian energy that feels raw and primal.
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Last updated: 2025/08/11 21:37