Meaning & Definition of word "Herbivore"
Herbivore
/ˈhɜːrbɪvɔːr/
noun:
- 1. An animal that feeds primarily on plants.
- Example: Elephants are large herbivores that often consume vast quantities of grass and leaves.
- 2. A member of the animal kingdom that primarily obtains energy by eating plant matter.
- Example: The giraffe, with its long neck, is a well-known herbivore that specializes in eating leaves from tall trees.
- 3. An organism that belongs to the category of primary consumers in the food chain.
- Example: Many herbivores, such as deer and rabbits, play a crucial role in their ecosystems.
- 4. A plant-eating animal distinguished from carnivores and omnivores.
- Example: Some species of dinosaurs were giant herbivores that roamed the Earth millions of years ago.
Etymology
●From the Latin 'herbivorus', from 'herba' meaning 'grass' or 'herb' and 'vorare' meaning 'to devour'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
herbivore diet:
A diet consisting mainly of plant-based foods.
herbivore species:
Species that primarily consume plant matter.
Related Words
omnivore:
An animal that eats both plants and animals.
carnivore:
An animal that primarily eats meat.
herbology:
The study of herbs and their medicinal properties.