Omnivorous: meaning, definitions and examples

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omnivorous

 

[ ɒmˈnɪvərəs ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

dietary preference

Omnivorous refers to an organism that eats both plants and animals. This dietary flexibility allows omnivores to adapt to various environments and food availability. Many animals, including humans, bears, and pigs, are classified as omnivorous.

Synonyms

mixed, polyphagous, varied

Examples of usage

  • Humans are omnivorous, consuming a variety of foods.
  • Bears have omnivorous diets, eating berries, fish, and insects.
  • Pigs are examples of omnivorous animals that will eat almost anything.
  • Certain species of birds are omnivorous, combining seeds and insects in their diet.

Etymology

The term 'omnivorous' originates from the Latin word 'omnivorus', where 'omni-' means 'all' and '-vorus' means 'to eat'. The concept of omnivorousness was first used in the early 19th century to describe organisms that consume a wide variety of food sources. It highlights the adaptability and ecological versatility of certain species, including humans, that can thrive in varied environments due to their diverse diet. The use of omnivorous in biological contexts emphasizes the importance of diet in natural selection and survival strategies among different species.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,348, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.