precocial: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “precocial” mean?
(of a bird or other animal) hatched or born in an advanced state and able to feed itself and move independently almost immediately.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(of a bird or other animal) hatched or born in an advanced state and able to feed itself and move independently almost immediately.
Relating to a developmental strategy where offspring are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Neutral scientific term in both varieties.
Frequency
Very rare in general discourse. Used exclusively in biological/zoological contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “precocial” in a Sentence
[Species/animal] is a precocial [noun].The [animal] exhibits precocial [noun, e.g., development, traits].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “precocial” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Ducklings are classic examples of precocial birds, following their mother just hours after hatching.
- The study compared the brain growth of precocial and altricial rodents.
American English
- Precocial species, like horses and deer, can stand and walk very soon after birth.
- The textbook explained the evolutionary trade-offs of precocial development.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biology and zoology papers and textbooks to describe developmental modes in animals.
Everyday
Almost never used. Would be unknown to most non-specialists.
Technical
Core term in ethology, ornithology, and developmental biology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “precocial”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “precocial”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “precocial”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈprekəʊʃl̩/ (stress on first syllable).
- Confusing with 'precocious' (advanced mental development in children), though they share the same Latin root ('praecox').
- Using it to describe objects or abstract concepts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The direct antonym is 'altricial,' which describes animals born in a helpless, undeveloped state requiring extensive parental care.
No, while commonly used for birds (e.g., ducks, chickens), it is also a valid term for mammals (e.g., horses, deer, guinea pigs) and other animals with similar developmental patterns.
They share a Latin root meaning 'early ripening.' 'Precocious' refers to early mental or talent development, typically in humans. 'Precocial' is a biological term for early physical development and independence in animals.
Only if you are studying biology, zoology, or a related field. It is a highly specialised term not needed for general communication.
(of a bird or other animal) hatched or born in an advanced state and able to feed itself and move independently almost immediately.
Precocial is usually technical / scientific in register.
Precocial: in British English it is pronounced /prɪˈkəʊʃl̩/, and in American English it is pronounced /prɪˈkoʊʃl̩/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PRE' (before/early) + 'SOCIAL' (but spelled 'cocial') -> Animals that are ready for the world (social interaction/independence) very early.
Conceptual Metaphor
READINESS IS PRECOCITY / IMMEDIATE FUNCTION IS MATURITY AT BIRTH.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the best example of a precocial animal?