instinct
1. in.stinct \'in-.stin(k)t\ \in-'stin(k)-ch*(-w*)l, -'stin(k)sh-w*l\ n
[ME, fr. L instinctus impulse, fr. instinctus, pp. of instinguer]e to
incite; akin to L instigare to instigate 1: a natural aptitude, impulse, or
capacity 2a: complex and specific response by an organism to environmental
stimuli t hat is largely hereditary and unalterable, does not involve
reason, and has as its goal the removal of a somatic tension 2b: behavior
that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level - in.stinc.tu.al
aj
2. in.stinct \in-'stin(k)t, 'in-.\ aj obs 1: impelled by an inner or
animating or exciting agency 2: IMBUED, INFUSED