adj.
Pronunciation: al- ' tri-sh ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin altric-, altrix, feminine of altor one who nourishes, from alere to nourish ― more at OLD
Date: 1872
: being hatched or born or having young that are hatched or born in a very immature and helpless condition so as to require care for some time < altricial birds> ― compare PRECOCIAL