— animalic /an'euh mal"ik/ , animalian /an'euh may"lee euhn, -mayl"yeuhn/ , adj.
/an"euh meuhl/ , n.
1. any member of the kingdom Animalia, comprising multicellular organisms that have a well-defined shape and usually limited growth, can move voluntarily, actively acquire food and digest it internally, and have sensory and nervous systems that allow them to respond rapidly to stimuli: some classification schemes also include protozoa and certain other single-celled eukaryotes that have motility and animallike nutritional modes.
2. any such living thing other than a human being.
3. a mammal, as opposed to a fish, bird, etc.
4. the physical, sensual, or carnal nature of human beings; animality: the animal in every person.
5. an inhuman person; brutish or beastlike person: She married an animal.
6. thing: A perfect job? Is there any such animal?
adj.
7. of, pertaining to, or derived from animals: animal instincts; animal fats.
8. pertaining to the physical, sensual, or carnal nature of humans, rather than their spiritual or intellectual nature: animal needs.
[ 1300-50; ME ( a ) of animale, neut. of animalis living, animate, equiv. to anim ( a ) air, breath + -alis -AL 1 ; E adj. also directly animalis ]
Syn. 1, 2. ANIMAL, BEAST, BRUTE refer to sentient creatures as distinct from minerals and plants; figuratively, they usually connote qualities and characteristics below the human level. ANIMAL is the general word; figuratively, it applies merely to the body or to animal-like characteristics: An athlete is a magnificent animal. BEAST refers to four-footed animals; figuratively, it suggests a base, sensual nature: A glutton is a beast. BRUTE implies absence of ability to reason; figuratively, it connotes savagery as well: a drunken brute. 5. monster. 8. fleshly, physical; beastly, brutal. See carnal .