We all know that humans osculate (see definition below) to show affection or sometimes to simply greet one another.

But plenty of animals, including chimpanzees, sea lions, horses, bears and cows, also show kissing-like behavior.

In the animal kingdom, “kissing” often consists of nuzzling or licking a companion’s face. It can sometimes be used as a form of grooming or as a demonstration of trust.

If you have ever spent much time around dogs, you know that these animals frequently “kiss”—or actually lick–their owners’ faces.

Scientists don’t agree on the exact meaning of these canine kisses. However, experts caution us that our pooches’ mouths do carry lots of germs.

So, the next time Fido wants to give you a doggie kiss, it’s best to steer him away from your mouth!

Cool word vocabulary question of the day: Do you think that it’s ever appropriate to osculate someone you’ve just met on the cheek?

OSCULATE: To kiss.