Definition

Happening before mating or sexual intercourse.

Example

The researchers studied the precopulatory behaviors of various animal species.

Conversation

Did you read the article about precopulatory behaviors in animals?

Yeah, it was fascinating how they prepare before mating.

I didn't know there were so many rituals involved in precopulatory stages.

Right? It's interesting how those behaviors can affect their chances of success.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Precatory is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "copulatory" (from Latin "copulatus", meaning joined or linked). The word "precopulatory" refers to the period or actions that occur before the act of joining or mating.

Memory Tip

Think of 'before' ('pre-') the 'joining' ('copulatory') — that's what precopulatory means.

Visually Confused Words