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precocial
[ pri-koh-shuhl ]
adjective
, Biology.
- (of an animal species) active and able to move freely from birth or hatching and requiring little parental care ( altricial ).
precocial
/ prɪˈkəʊʃəl /
adjective
- (of the young of some species of birds after hatching) covered with down, having open eyes, and capable of leaving the nest within a few days of hatching
noun
- a precocial bird
precocial
/ prĭ-kō′shəl /
- Born or hatched in a condition requiring relatively little parental care, as by having hair or feathers, open eyes, and the ability to move about. Water birds, reptiles, and herd animals usually have precocial young.
- Compare altricial
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Word History and Origins
Origin of precocial1
First recorded in 1870–75; precoci(ous) + -al 1
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Word History and Origins
Origin of precocial1
C19: see precocious
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Compare Meanings
How does precocial compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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Example Sentences
Young avocets are very precocial and leave the nest soon after hatching.
From Project Gutenberg
They were exceedingly active, a good example of precocial young.
From Project Gutenberg
Note the helpless altricial young of the robin; the independent precocial young of the quail.
From Project Gutenberg
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