Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Popular Searches
Nearby Words

agonistical

 - 3 dictionary results

ag⋅o⋅nis⋅tic

  [ag-uh-nis-tik]
Use agonistical in a Sentence
–adjective
1. combative; striving to overcome in argument.
2. straining for effect: agonistic humor.
3. of or pertaining to ancient Greek athletic contests.
4. Ethology. pertaining to the range of activities associated with aggressive encounters between members of the same species, including threat, attack, appeasement, or retreat.
Also, ag⋅o⋅nis⋅ti⋅cal.

Origin:
1640–50; < Gk agōnistikós, equiv. to agōnist(s) agonist + -ikos -ic

Related forms:
ag⋅o⋅nis⋅ti⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To agonistical
ag·o·nis·tic   (āg'ə-nĭs'tĭk)   
adj.  

  1. Striving to overcome in argument; combative.

  2. Struggling to achieve effect; strained and contrived.

  3. Of or relating to contests, originally those of the ancient Greeks.

ag'o·nis'ti·cal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: ag·o·nis·tic
Pronunciation: "ag-&-'nis-tik
Function: adjective
: of, relating to, or being aggressive or defensivesocial interaction (as fighting, fleeing, or submitting) between individuals usually of the same species <agonistic behavior>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see agonistical on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way