Main Entry: be·hav·ior

Pronunciation: \bi-ˈhā-vyər, bē-\

Function: noun

Etymology: alteration of Middle English behavour, from behaven

Date: 15th century

1 a : the manner of conducting oneself b : anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation c : the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment
2 : the way in which someone behaves; also : an instance of such behavior
3 : the way in which something functions or operates

— be·hav·ior·al \-vyə-rəl\ adjective

— be·hav·ior·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb