allogroom

verb, transitive + intransitive

al·​lo·​groom ˈa-lō-ˌgrüm 

allogrooms; allogroomed; allogrooming

: to clean and maintain the appearance of an individual of the same species

A female rhesus monkey may allogroom the male as a means of overcoming his aggression.

—Desmond Morris, Primate Ethology, 2005

However, allogrooming is one of the most easily ritualized of all social behaviors, and it has been repeatedly and consistently transformed into conciliatory and bonding signals.

—Edward O. Wilson, Sociobiology, 1980

Several days after parturition, the mare and foal begin to allogroom.

—George H. Waring, Horse Behavior, 2003

Word History

Etymology

allo- + groom entry 2

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!