spelaean

or spe·le·an

[ spi-lee-uhn ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or inhabiting a cave or caves.

spelaean

/ spɪˈliːən /

adjective

1. of, found in, or inhabiting caves

   spelaean animals

Word History and Origins

Origin of spelaean¹

1830–40; < New Latin spēlae ( us ) (adj. derivative of Latin spēlaeum cave < Greek spḗlaion ) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of spelaean¹

C19: via New Latin, from Latin spēlaeum a cave, from Greek spēlaion