Broodlike

Broodlike is an adjective used to describe something that resembles or is characteristic of a brood. A brood, in its most common biological sense, refers to a group of young animals, particularly birds, hatched at the same time from eggs laid by the same parent or parents. Therefore, something described as broodlike might exhibit qualities associated with a group of young, such as a huddled appearance, a sense of collective dependency, or a shared vulnerability.

The term can also be applied metaphorically. In a non-biological context, "broodlike" might suggest a collection of similar items or individuals, perhaps appearing somewhat unformed or in an early stage of development. It could also imply a certain density or compactness, akin to a nest full of young. The connotation of "broodlike" is generally neutral, simply indicating a resemblance to a brood without inherent positive or negative judgment. It is less common than words like "congregated" or "clustered" and is typically used to evoke a specific, somewhat informal imagery.