cavernicolous

adjective

cav·​er·​nic·​o·​lous ˌka-vər-ˈni-kə-ləs How to pronounce cavernicolous (audio)
: inhabiting caves

Word History

Etymology

cavern entry 1 + -i- + -colous, probably after French cavernicole

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cavernicolous was circa 1889

Rhymes for cavernicolous

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Browse Nearby Words

cavernicole
cavernicolous
cavernous
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Cite this Entry

“Cavernicolous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cavernicolous. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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