Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

facultative

Pronunciation: /ˈfak(ə)lˌtətɪv/

Definition of facultative

adjective

  • occurring optionally in response to circumstances rather than by nature: facultative adjustment in relation to competitive abilities
  • Biology capable of but not restricted to a particular function or mode of life:a facultative parasiteOften contrasted with obligate.

Derivatives

facultatively

adverb

Origin:

early 19th century: from French facultatif, -ive, from faculté (see faculty)

facultative in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of facultative in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

  |  Cite

Word of the day

offing

/ ˈɒfɪŋ /
noun
the more distant part of the sea in view …