spelaean


spelaean

(spɪˈliːən) or

spelean

adj (Biology) of, found in, or inhabiting caves: spelaean animals. [C19: via New Latin, from Latin spēlaeum a cave, from Greek spēlaion]

spe•lae•an

or spe•le•an

(spɪˈli ən)

adj. pertaining to or inhabiting caves. [1830–40; < Latin spēlaeum cave (< Greek spḗlaion) + -an1]