graminivorous

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English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Latin graminivorus, from gramen (grass) + -vorus.

Pronunciation[edit]

  • IPA(key): /ɡɹæmɪˈnɪvəɹəs/
  • (file)

Adjective[edit]

graminivorous (comparative more graminivorous, superlative most graminivorous)

  1. (entomology) That eats grasses and seeds.
    • 1854, Charles Dickens, “(please specify the chapter name)”, in Hard Times. For These Times, London: Bradbury & Evans, [], →OCLC:
      “Bitzer,” said Thomas Gradgrind. “Your definition of a horse.” / “Quadruped. Graminivorous. Forty teeth; namely, twenty-four grinders, four eye-teeth, and twelve incisive. Sheds coat in the Spring; in marshy countries, sheds hoofs, too. Hoofs hard, but requiring to be shod with iron. Age known by marks in mouth.” Thus (and much more) Bitzer.
    • 1906, Ambrose Bierce, “Abdomen”, in The Cynic’s Word Book, London: Arthur F. Bird [], →OCLC, page 4:
      If woman had a free hand in the world's marketing the race would become graminivorous.

Usage notes[edit]

  • Although the term was formerly more widely used (for example, of grazing animals), it is now restricted to insects as most grazing animals are better termed herbivorous.

Translations[edit]