Main Entry: ¹in·stinct

Pronunciation: \ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin instinctus impulse, from instinguere to incite; akin to Latin instigare to instigate

Date: 15th century

1 : a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity <had an instinct for the right word>
2 a : a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason b : behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level

— in·stinc·tu·al \in-ˈstiŋ(k)-chə-wəl, -chəl, -shwəl, -chü-əl\ adjective

— in·stinc·tu·al·ly adverb