troglodytic

adjective

trog·​lo·​dyt·​ic ¦träglə¦ditik How to pronounce troglodytic (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to cave dwellers or their ways
b
: dwelling in or involving residence in caves
a troglodytic life
2
: coarse, brutal, or degraded in appearance, ways of living, or nature
two troglodytic types … locked in unfraternal conflictA. J. Liebling
3
: primitive or outmoded in character
a troglodytic organization
his troglodytic political ideasG. W. Johnson

Word History

Etymology

Latin troglodyticus of or relating to the cave dwellers of Ethiopia, from Greek trōglodytikos of or relating to cave dwellers, from trōglodytēs troglodyte + -ikos -ic

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Cite this Entry

“Troglodytic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troglodytic. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

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