How Do You Spell SARCOPHAGOUS?

Pronunciation: [sɑːkˈɒfəɡəs] (IPA)

Sarcophagus is a Greek word that means "flesh eater." The word is spelled with two Cs, not two Gs. It has four syllables: sar-kof-a-gus. The word is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable, the first vowel is pronounced as "ar" (ɑr), the second vowel as "ə" (ə), the third as "o" (ɑ) and the fourth as "us" (ʌs). "Sarcophagus" refers to a stone coffin used in ancient times for burials. It is interesting to note that some animals are also "sarcophagous," meaning that they feed on flesh.

SARCOPHAGOUS Meaning and Definition

1. Sarcophagous is an adjective that refers to an organism's feeding habit of consuming decaying or dead organic matter, typically animal flesh or carrion. It describes the behavior of certain animals that rely on this type of food source for their sustenance. The term derives from the Greek words "sarkos," which means flesh, and "phagein," which means "to eat."

   Animals that are sarcophagous play an important ecological role in decomposing and recycling dead organisms, often being referred to as scavengers or carrion feeders. These organisms are adept at recognizing and locating carcasses, using keen senses of smell and sight to find their food sources. Examples of sarcophagous animals include vultures, hyenas, and certain species of beetles and flies.

   The sarcophagous behavior has evolved as a survival strategy that allows these animals to take advantage of readily available food resources that might otherwise go to waste. By feeding on decaying organic matter, these organisms contribute to the decomposition process, breaking down dead tissue and returning nutrients to the environment.

   In certain contexts, the term "sarcophagous" can also be used metaphorically to describe people who feed off the misfortune or difficulties of others, deriving satisfaction or gain from the suffering of others. In this sense, it implies a negative characterization of individuals who exhibit predatory or parasitic behaviors in social or interpersonal relationships.

2. Feeding on flesh.

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

Common Misspellings for SARCOPHAGOUS

• sarcophagusa
• aarcophagous
• zarcophagous
• xarcophagous
• darcophagous
• earcophagous
• warcophagous
• szrcophagous
• ssrcophagous
• swrcophagous
• sqrcophagous
• saecophagous
• sadcophagous
• safcophagous
• satcophagous
• sa5cophagous
• sa4cophagous
• sarxophagous
• sarvophagous
• sarfophagous

Etymology of SARCOPHAGOUS

The word sarcophagus originates from the Greek words sarx meaning flesh and phagein meaning to eat. The term sarcophagous is derived from this, combining sarcophagus with the suffix -ous which means having the quality of. Therefore, sarcophagous literally means flesh-eating or feeding on flesh.