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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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
herbivore

Use this word when discussing animals scientifically, especially in biology or ecology. It refers specifically to animals that eat plants.

  • A rabbit is a common example of a herbivore.
  • Dinosaurs like the Diplodocus were herbivores.
plant-eater

This term is more casual and easier for everyday conversation or when explaining concepts to children.

  • A cow is a plant-eater.
  • Some dinosaurs were plant-eaters.
vegetarian

This word is typically used to describe humans who do not eat meat. It can sometimes be used humorously or metaphorically for animals, but primarily relates to human diet choices.

  • She has been a vegetarian for ten years.
  • My friend is a vegetarian and only eats plant-based foods.

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

Etymology

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.