inquiline

noun in·qui·line \ˈin-kwə-ˌlīn, ˈiŋ-, -lən\

Definition of INQUILINE

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

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

First Known Use: 1879

Medical Dictionary

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

—in·qui·lin·ism \-lə-ˌniz-əm\ noun

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