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rettiliano

reptilian

adjective ret-tee-LYAH-noh Rare

Usage Note

Rettiliano derives from rettile (reptile) and describes anything of or like a reptile: il cervello rettiliano ('the reptilian brain') is a popular science phrase. Plural is rettiliani/rettiliane. It is less common as a standalone adjective than in the compound noun phrase.

Examples

"Il cervello rettiliano controlla i riflessi."

Natural Translation

The reptilian brain controls reflexes.

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