Zoophagy
English
Etymology
From Ancient Greek ζῷον (zôion, “animal”) + -φαγία (-phagía, “eating”), from φαγεῖν (phageîn, “to eat”).
Noun
zoophagy (uncountable)
- The consumption of animals; the act or practice of eating animal flesh.
- (biology, ecology) Feeding on animals, especially as a dietary behavior distinguishing carnivores and some omnivores.
Usage notes
- Often used in scientific or ecological contexts to describe dietary habits.
- More formal than carnivory, though the two are closely related.
- Can apply broadly to any organism that consumes animals, not just mammals.
Related terms
Example sentences
- “The zoophagy of certain insects allows them to control pest populations.”
- “Human diets vary widely, but many cultures incorporate zoophagy as a central component.”