How Do You Spell INSECTIVOROUS?

Pronunciation: [ˌɪnsɛktˈɪvəɹəs] (IPA)

Insectivorous is a term used to describe animals that feed on insects. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is ɪnˈsɛktɪvərəs. The first syllable is pronounced as "in" with a short "i" sound, followed by "sect" with a long "e" sound. The third syllable is "iv" with a short "i" sound, and the fourth syllable is "erous" with a schwa sound in the middle. The spelling of this word follows the english spelling rules, where "ct" makes a sound of "kt" and "ivorous" is a suffix that means "feeding on".

INSECTIVOROUS Meaning and Definition

1. The term "insectivorous" is an adjective that describes organisms, particularly plants or animals, that have a diet primarily or solely composed of insects. It is derived from the Latin words "insectum" meaning "insect" and "vorare" meaning "to swallow." Organisms that are insectivorous have specially adapted physical traits and behaviors that allow them to efficiently capture, consume, and derive essential nutrients from insects.

   Insectivorous plants are a prime example of this characteristic. These plants possess modified leaves or appendages that function as traps to capture insects. Examples of such plants include the Venus flytrap, sundews, and pitcher plants. Insectivorous animals, such as bats, birds, and certain species of mammals and reptiles, have developed specialized adaptations like sharp beaks, claws, or teeth, and keen senses to facilitate their insect-catching abilities.

   The insectivorous diet offers various advantages to organisms. Insects are highly abundant, providing a reliable source of food. Additionally, many insects are rich in essential nutrients such as proteins and fats, which are vital for growth and survival. By specializing in consuming insects, these organisms occupy and exploit an ecological niche that may be less competitive compared to other food sources.

   Overall, the term "insectivorous" is used to describe organisms that have evolved to rely heavily on insects as their primary food source, utilizing unique adaptations that enable them to efficiently capture and consume their prey.

2. Feeding on insects.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for INSECTIVOROUS

• unsectivorous
• jnsectivorous
• knsectivorous
• onsectivorous
• 9nsectivorous
• 8nsectivorous
• ibsectivorous
• imsectivorous
• ijsectivorous
• ihsectivorous
• inaectivorous
• inzectivorous
• inxectivorous
• indectivorous
• ineectivorous
• inwectivorous
• inswctivorous
• inssctivorous
• insdctivorous
• insectivoreous
• insectivourous
• insectivoreus

Etymology of INSECTIVOROUS

The word "insectivorous" is derived from the Latin term "insectivorus", which is a combination of "insectum" (meaning "insect") and "vorare" (meaning "to devour"). The term was first used in English in the early 19th century to refer to plant-eating animals, especially referring to plants that feed on insects.

Similar spelling words for INSECTIVOROUS

• incestuous,
• incestuously,
• insecticide,
• insectivora,
• insectivore,
• insectifuge,
• insect bite.