Batesian

adjective

Bates·​ian ˈbāt-sē-ən How to pronounce Batesian (audio)
: characterized by or being mimicry involving resemblance of an innocuous species to another that is protected from predators by repellent qualities (such as unpalatability)
a Batesian mimic

Word History

Etymology

Henry Walter Bates †1892 English naturalist

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Batesian was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near Batesian

Cite this Entry

“Batesian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Batesian. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

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