interspecies

Definition

Relating to or occurring between different biological species, specifically used here to describe family units that include both humans and companion animals.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin prefix 'inter-' meaning 'between' or 'among' and the Latin word 'species' meaning 'kind' or 'appearance,' the term emerged in scientific contexts before being adopted into broader social discussion.

In the news

The author uses this term to explain how social media posts foster a discourse about families that bridge the gap between human and animal, emphasizing kinship over traditional pet ownership.

I’m a psychologist. Here’s what your pet’s social media account reveals about you

The Independent

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