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instinct

in·stinct [ ín stìngkt ]


noun  (plural in·stincts)
Definition:
 
1. strong natural impulse: a powerful impulse that feels natural rather than reasoned
followed his instincts and took to his heels

2. biological drive: an inborn pattern of behavior characteristic of a species and shaped by biological necessities such as survival and reproduction
the survival instinct

3. knack: a natural gift or skill
an instinct for putting people at ease



adjective 
Definition:
 
filled: completely filled or imbued with something ( formal )
a look instinct with compassion

[15th century. < Latin instinctus "impulse" < instinguere "incite" < stinguere "to sting"]

in·stinc·tu·al [ in stíngkchoo əl ] adjective
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