carnivorous
/ˈkɑːrnɪvərəs/adjective★Intermediate
formal
Relating to or feeding on flesh, especially the flesh of other animals.
Lions are carnivorous predators that hunt in prides.
Tigers are also carnivorous and rely on large prey for sustenance.
💡
Often used in biological and ecological contexts to describe animals or plants that consume animal tissue.
Collocations
carnivorous plantA plant that traps and digests insects or small animals.carnivorous dietA diet consisting primarily of meat.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
carnivorous appetitephrase
A strong desire for meat or a voracious appetite in general.
💡Pro Tip
Usage Tip
Avoid using 'carnivorous' for humans unless referring to dietary habits in a scientific or humorous context.
⚡Gold Rule
Scientific Context
In biology, 'carnivorous' is a precise term for organisms that derive energy from consuming other animals.
📖Word Origin
From Latin 'carnivorus', from 'caro' (flesh) + 'vorare' (to devour).
📝Usage Notes
While primarily used to describe animals, 'carnivorous' can also describe plants (e.g., Venus flytrap) that trap and digest prey.
Word Breakdown
carni-
flesh
root-vorous
devouring
suffixEnglish Dictionary