inquiline

noun

in·​qui·​line ˈin-kwə-ˌlīn 

ˈiŋ-,

-lən

: an animal that lives habitually in the nest or abode of some other species

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

An animal that takes advantage of another's living space is called an inquiline. —Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Latin inquilinus tenant, lodger, from in- + colere to cultivate, dwell — more at wheel

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

inquiline

noun

in·​qui·​line ˈin-kwə-ˌlīn, ˈiŋ-, -lən 

: an animal (as the house mouse) that lives habitually in the nest or abode (as a human dwelling) of some other species

inquilinism

-lə-ˌniz-əm 

noun