Connatal

/kəˈneɪtəl/ adjective

Definition

Born together with something else; existing from birth or from the beginning; inborn or innate.

Etymology

From Latin 'connatus,' formed from 'con-' (together) plus 'natus' (born), literally meaning 'born together,' used since the Renaissance to describe innate qualities.

Kelly Says

When scientists talk about connatal traits—like a bird's instinct to build nests without learning—they're describing knowledge so deeply built-in that it seems magical, as if the creature and the skill were born as one package!

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