CARNIVOROUS Meaning and
Definition
-
Carnivorous is an adjective that describes an organism or creature that primarily consumes meat or the flesh of other animals as the main source of sustenance. Derived from the Latin word "carnivorus," meaning "meat-eating," carnivorous organisms are often equipped with characteristics or adaptations that enable them to efficiently hunt, capture, and consume prey.
Carnivorous animals possess physical attributes such as sharp teeth, specialized claws, and strong jaws that aid in tearing through flesh or capturing their prey. They may also possess keen senses, including exceptional vision or a heightened sense of smell, to locate and track potential victims. Additionally, some carnivores have evolved swift and agile bodies to chase down fast-moving prey, while others exhibit stealth and patience to ambush their targets.
It is important to note that not all carnivorous animals exclusively eat meat, as many may also include plants or non-animal food sources in their diet to obtain necessary nutrients. However, the consumption of meat remains a vital part of their dietary requirements.
In the plant kingdom, there are carnivorous plants that have adapted to low-nutrient environments by capturing and digesting small insects or other organisms. These plants often possess specialized leaves or traps that can entice, capture, and break down the prey for nutrients.
Overall, the term carnivorous is used to describe organisms or plants that primarily or exclusively rely on meat as a significant component of their diet, representing a unique and specialized feeding strategy in the natural world.
-
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CARNIVOROUS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CARNIVOROUS
Etymology of CARNIVOROUS
The word carnivorous originated from the Latin words caro meaning flesh and vorare meaning to devour. The term was first used in the English language in the late 18th century to describe animals that primarily eat flesh. The prefix carni- means flesh, while the suffix -vorous means devouring or eating. Therefore, carnivorous literally translates to flesh-eating or meat-eating.
Similar spelling words for CARNIVOROUS
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
