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 environment2: the way in which someone behaves ; also : an instance of such behavior3: the way in which something functions or operates

— be·hav·ior·al \-vyə-rəl\ adjective

— be·hav·ior·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb