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Herbivore: meaning, definitions and examples

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herbivore

 

[ ˈhɜːr.bɪ.vɔːr ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

animal diet

An herbivore is an animal that primarily feeds on plants. Herbivores have evolved digestive systems capable of breaking down cellulose, a substance found in plant cell walls. Examples of herbivores include deer, cows, and rabbits.

Synonyms

plant-eater, vegetarian

Examples of usage

  • The giraffe is a herbivore, feeding on leaves from tall trees.
  • Rabbits are herbivores that graze on grass and vegetables.

Translations

Translations of the word "herbivore" in other languages:

🇵🇹 herbívoro

🇮🇳 शाकाहारी

🇩🇪 Pflanzenfresser

🇮🇩 herbivora

🇺🇦 травоїдний

🇵🇱 roślinożerca

🇯🇵 草食動物

🇫🇷 herbivore

🇪🇸 herbívoro

🇹🇷 otobur

🇰🇷 초식동물

🇸🇦 آكل النبات

🇨🇿 býložravec

🇸🇰 bylinožravec

🇨🇳 食草动物

🇸🇮 rastlinojed

🇮🇸 jurtaæta

🇰🇿 шөпқоректі

🇬🇪 მწვანილისმჭამელი

🇦🇿 ot yeyən

🇲🇽 herbívoro

Word origin

The term 'herbivore' originated from the Latin words 'herba' (meaning plant) and 'vorare' (meaning to devour). Herbivores play a crucial role in ecosystems by controlling plant populations and nutrient cycling. They have adapted over millions of years to specialize in consuming plant material as their primary food source.

See also: herb, herbaceous, herbal, herbarium, herbicide.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,506, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.