carnivorous Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective relating to or characteristic of carnivores
    • the lion and other carnivorous animals
  2. adjective (used of plants as well as animals) feeding on animals
    • carnivorous plants are capable of trapping and digesting small animals especially insects

WordNet

Car*niv"o*rous adjective
Etymology
L. carnivorus; caro, carnis, flesh + varare to devour.
Definitions
  1. Eating or feeding on flesh. The term is applied: (a) to animals which naturally seek flesh for food, as the tiger, dog, etc.; (b) to plants which are supposed to absorb animal food; (c) to substances which destroy animal tissue, as caustics.

Webster 1913