herbivorous
hur-BIV-uh-ruhs
/hɜːrˈbɪvərəs/
Feeding on plants.
A biological classification rather than a personal choice; it describes the natural diet of an animal species.
The story behind the word. Combines the Latin 'herba' (vegetation) with 'vorare' (to swallow or devour). It paints a picture of a creature constantly munching on the green world around it.
Word relationships
- plant-eating: A simpler, non-scientific synonym.
- carnivorous: Feeding on meat.
- omnivorous: Feeding on both plants and meat.
Commonly confused with
- vegetarian: Vegetarian is a human choice; herbivorous is a biological trait of a species.
Word family
- herbivore (noun): An animal that eats only plants.
Collocations
- herbivorous diet
- herbivorous species
- strictly herbivorous
Example sentences
- "Elephants are the largest herbivorous land animals on Earth." Zoology.
- "The Brachiosaurus was a massive herbivorous dinosaur that used its long neck to reach high foliage." Paleontology.
Memory hook
HERB-I-VORE: I 'devour' (vore) 'herbs' (plants). Plant devourer.
When not to use
Don't use this to describe a person's chosen diet (use 'vegetarian' or 'vegan' instead) unless you are speaking in a strictly biological or humorous sense.
Fun facts
- Pandas are biologically carnivores but have evolved to be almost entirely herbivorous, eating mostly bamboo.
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