saxicavous

/sæksɪˈkævəs/ or /sak.si-KAY-vee-uhs/

Definitions

1. adjective

Having the habit of excavating or digging in rock, especially for nesting purposes.

“The aardvark’s burrow was a perfect example of its saxicavous nature.”

2. noun

An animal, especially a mammal, that excavates or digs in rock for a living or nesting site.

“The geologists studied the behavior of various saxicavous animals in the region.”

Synonyms

  • cavernicolous
  • rock-dwelling
  • rock-excavating

Antonyms

  • arboreal
  • arboreous