NECROPHAGOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Necrophagous is an adjective that refers to an organism or its behavior relating to the consumption of dead animal or plant matter. It is derived from the two Greek words "nekros" meaning dead and "phagein" meaning to eat, thus conveying the literal meaning of "eating the dead".
When applied to animals, necrophagous creatures are typically scavengers that feed on carrion, which is the decaying flesh of dead animals. These organisms play a crucial ecological role in nutrient recycling, as they aid in the decomposition of organic matter, preventing its accumulation in the environment. Examples of necrophagous animals include vultures, crows, hyenas, and certain species of beetles and flies.
In the plant kingdom, necrophagous behavior is observed among some species of fungi. These fungi decompose dead plant material, such as tree trunks or decaying leaves, by breaking it down into simpler components. They play a vital role in the nutrient cycle of ecosystems by releasing essential nutrients back into the soil, enriching it for other organisms.
The term necrophagous is used to specifically describe organisms that actively seek out, consume, and thrive on dead matter. It sets them apart from other organisms that may incidentally consume dead material but do not rely on it as their primary food source.
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1. Living on carrion. 2. Necrophilous.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Feeding on the dead; carrion-eating.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for NECROPHAGOUS
Etymology of NECROPHAGOUS
The word "necrophagous" derives from the combination of two Greek words: "nekros", meaning "dead" or "corpse", and "phagein", meaning "to eat" or "to devour". In Greek, "nekros" (νεκρός) comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "nek-" which has the same meaning. "Phagein" (φαγεῖν) has Indo-European origins as well, stemming from the root "*bhag-", which means "to share out" or "to consume". The two words are combined to form "necrophagous", which refers to an organism that feeds on or consumes dead organic matter, typically referring to animals that eat carrion or decomposing flesh.
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