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Definition of carnivorous

carnivorous

/kɑːrˈnɪv.ər.əs/
car · niv · o · rous
Adverb:carnivorously
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carnivorous Lexical Profile

carnivorous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Feeding primarily or exclusively on animal flesh, tissue, or insects (of an animal or insect-trapping plant).

Example

"The Venus flytrap is a well-known carnivorous plant that captures insects to supplement the nutrients lacking in boggy soil."

2

Relating to or belonging to the taxonomic order Carnivora, which includes predatory mammals such as cats, dogs, bears, and seals.

Example

"Fossil records show that many modern carnivorous mammals evolved specialized cheek teeth known as carnassials for shearing meat."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for carnivorous

• Nearby Words

carnitas
carnival
carnivore
carnivorous
carnotaurus
carny
carnyx

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Latin carnivorus ('flesh-eating'), formed from caro, carnis ('flesh') and vorare ('to devour').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Carnivorous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/carnivorous
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