Ailourophilia

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A strong affection or attraction towards cats is represented by a condition that may significantly influence one's lifestyle and preferences
2. This condition describes an unusual fondness for felines which can greatly affect personal choices and habits
3. A distinctive liking for cats is characterized by a psychological inclination that often shapes one's day-to-day life and interactions

Etymology: "Ailourophilia" is a deliberate variant of "ailurophilia," the love of cats, built from Greek parts. The first element comes from "ailouros," a Greek word for cat, which the Greeks used with a sense close to "the waving-tailed one." The second element comes from "philia," meaning love or fondness, the same root that appears in "bibliophile" and "Philadelphia." The combination was formed in English from the classical pieces, so it reflects a modern coinage rather than an ancient word. The spelling "ailourophilia" with the extra "o" is a variant of the more common "ailurophilia," and both forms share the same underlying Greek roots. The Greek "philia" itself belongs to a family of words expressing affection, from friendship to a fondness for particular things.

Synonyms: cat love