n. & adj.
--n.
1. a an innate, usu. fixed, pattern of behaviour in most animals in response to certain stimuli. b a similar propensity in human beings to act without conscious intention; innate impulsion.
2 (usu. foll. by for) unconscious skill; intuition.
--predic.adj. (foll. by with) imbued, filled (with life, beauty, force, etc.).
Derivatives:
instinctual adj. instinctually adv.
Etymology: ME, 'impulse', f. L instinctus f. instinguere incite (as IN-(2), stinguere stinct- prick)