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Herbivore Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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herbivore

[ˈhɜːr.bɪ.vɔːr ]

Definition

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Herbivores often have flat teeth designed for grinding plants, making it easier to chew tough leaves and grasses.
  • Some species, like elephants, can spend up to 16 hours a day eating to meet their nutritional needs.

Ecology

  • Herbivores play a crucial role in ecosystems by controlling plant growth and serving as prey for carnivores.
  • In some habitats, the absence of herbivores can lead to overgrowth of certain plant species, disrupting the balance of the ecosystem.

Pop Culture

  • In cartoons and children's stories, herbivores like Bambi (a deer) or Dory the blue tang are often depicted as friendly and gentle.
  • Popular films, such as 'The Land Before Time', feature herbivorous dinosaurs, showcasing their adventures and struggles for food.

Famous Herbivores

  • The giant panda primarily eats bamboo, making it a well-known herbivore that also captivates children and adults alike.
  • Horses, my favorite furry friends in stories and real life, are also herbivores, primarily feeding on grass and grains.

Origin of 'herbivore'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin, where 'herba' means 'plant' and 'vore' means 'to devour'.
  • The term was first used in the 19th century to classify animals based on their diets.

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.