instinct: Meaning and Definition of

in•stinct

Pronunciation: (in'stingkt), [key]
— n.
  1. an inborn pattern of activity or tendency to action common to a given biological species.
  2. a natural or innate impulse, inclination, or tendency.
  3. a natural aptitude or gift: an instinct for making money.
  4. natural intuitive power.

in•stinct

Pronunciation: (in-stingkt'), [key]
— adj.
  1. filled or infused with some animating principle (usually fol. by with): instinct with life.
  2. animated by some inner force.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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