facultative Hear it!

facultative definition

fac·ul·ta·tive (fak′əl tāt′iv)

adjective

    1. granting a faculty, or permission; permissive
    2. optional
  2. that may or may not happen or be; contingent
  3. having to do with a faculty or faculties
  4. Biol. capable of living under varying conditions; e.g., able to live independently and as a parasite

Etymology: Fr facultatif < L facultas: see faculty

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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