necrophilic
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- adjective
- /ˌnɛkrəˈfɪlɪk/
- Specialized
- Certain necrophilic insects play a vital role in breaking down animal remains in forests.
Examples
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Some beetles are known for their necrophilic behavior, colonizing carcasses soon after death.
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The biologist observed a necrophilic fungus growing rapidly on the decaying log.
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The necrophilic behavior of certain fungi helps decompose organic matter.
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Some bacteria exhibit necrophilic traits by thriving on decaying matter.
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Certain necrophilic insects play a vital role in breaking down animal remains in forests.
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The biologist observed a necrophilic fungus growing rapidly on the decaying log.
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Some bacteria exhibit necrophilic traits by thriving on decaying matter.
Synonyms
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Getting food by breaking down dead plants and animals
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To eat dead or rotting animals
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A living thing that eats dead plant and animal matter, like earthworms
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An animal that eats dead or decaying matter from plants and animals
Feeding on dead animals and their decaying parts
Surface Forms
Morphology
necrophilic = necrophilia (semi-transparent) = necro + phil + ic
The transition from 'necrophilia' to 'necrophilic' is clear, but understanding the root 'necro' may not be straightforward for all learners.
Etymology
Necrophilic comes from the Greek parts necro- meaning 'dead body' and -philic meaning 'loving' or 'attracted to', the same 'philic' idea you see in bibliophile ('book lover'). So a necrophilic species or insect is one that is attracted to or lives on dead and decaying matter.