mimicries
|mim-ic-ry|
/ˈmɪmɪkri/
(mimicry)
imitation
Etymology
'mimicry' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'mimos', where 'mimos' meant 'mime' or 'actor'.
'mimicry' changed from Latin 'mimicus' and Middle French 'mimique', passing through Middle English forms such as 'mimick', and eventually became the modern English word 'mimicry'.
Initially, it meant 'imitation' or 'acting to imitate', but over time it evolved to include specialized senses such as 'biological resemblance' as well as general 'imitation'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the action or art of imitating someone or something, often for entertainment or imitation of mannerisms, voice, or behavior.
Her mimicries of the principal and other teachers had the whole class laughing.
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Noun 2
resemblances produced by imitation in nature (biology): when one species evolves to resemble another for protection or advantage (e.g., Batesian or Müllerian mimicry).
Many insects exhibit mimicries that make them look like toxic species, deterring predators.
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Last updated: 2025/12/03 03:59