zoophagous
- adjective
- /ˌzuːəˈfæɡəs/
- Specialized
:
zoófago
- Many spiders are zoophagous, preying on insects and other small arthropods.
Examples
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Some amphibians become zoophagous as they mature, shifting from herbivorous larvae to carnivorous adults.
-
The zoophagous habits of lions are well documented by biologists.
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The zoophagous species thrive in environments rich in prey.
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Many zoophagous animals play a crucial role in their ecosystems.
-
Many spiders are zoophagous, preying on insects and other small arthropods.
-
Some amphibians become zoophagous as they mature, shifting from herbivorous larvae to carnivorous adults.
-
The zoophagous habits of lions are well documented by biologists.
Synonyms
17
5.5
Eating other animals or insects for food
8
4.8
Hunting and eating other animals for food
3
2.1
An animal that eats other animals for food
1
6.1
An animal that eats the meat of other animals
1
8.4
Hunting and eating other animals for food
Antonyms
How Carnivorous
Surface Forms
Morphology
zoophagous = zoo (semi-transparent) = zoo + phag + ous
The word can be analysed as 'zoo-' (animal) + '-phagous' (eating), but the combining form '-phagous' is technical and unfamiliar to most B1 learners.
Etymology
The word zoophagous joins zoo- meaning 'animal', as in a zoo, and -phagous meaning 'eating', so it describes animals that eat other animals and are 'meat-eating'.