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Definition of insectivore

insectivore

/ɪnˈsɛktɪvɔːr/
in · sec · ti · vore
Plural:insectivores
•
Adjective:insectivorous
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insectivore Lexical Profile

insectivore Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An animal or carnivorous plant that feeds primarily or exclusively on insects and other small invertebrates.

Example

"Bats and swallows are efficient insectivores that help control agricultural pest populations."

2

Any small placental mammal formerly classified in the taxonomic order Insectivora (now largely divided into orders such as Eulipotyphla), including shrews, moles, and hedgehogs.

Example

"Shrews and moles are classic examples of small, nocturnal mammalian insectivores with high metabolic rates."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

inseam
insect
insecticide
insectivore
insecure
insecurely
insecureness

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-19th century from French 'insectivore', formed from Modern Latin 'insectivorus', combining Latin 'insectum' (insect) and '-vorus' (devouring, from 'vorare', to swallow or devour).

Cite this Entry

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