carnivore
carnivore Lexical Profile
carnivore Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An animal or plant (such as a lion, shark, or Venus flytrap) that feeds primarily or exclusively on animal flesh or tissue.
"The polar bear is an apex carnivore that relies on sea ice to hunt seals."
Any placental mammal belonging to the taxonomic order Carnivora (such as cats, dogs, bears, weasels, and seals), characterized by specialized shearing teeth (carnassials) regardless of whether its actual diet consists solely of meat.
"Although the giant panda feeds almost entirely on bamboo, it is taxonomically classified as a carnivore."
A person who eats meat or strongly prefers meat-heavy meals, as opposed to a vegetarian or vegan (used informally or humorously).
"Even the most dedicated carnivore at the dinner table enjoyed the roasted cauliflower steak."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-19th century from French carnivore, from Latin carnivorus ('flesh-eating'), formed from caro, carnis ('flesh') and vorare ('to devour').