entomophagy

[ en-tuh-mof-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the use of insects for food, especially by humans and as a regular part of the diet.

Usage Note

While the term entomophagy can be used of any species that consumes insects, the issue of global food supply has drawn attention to insects as a highly available nutritional option for humans specifically, sparking a marked increase in this narrower use of the word. For the related adjective entomophagous, on the other hand, the situation is reversed: it is rarely used to describe humans. It most often designates certain insect-eating fungi, nematodes, arachnids, etc., used in agriculture or horticulture to control populations of insects regarded as pests. The more general adjective to describe insect-eating species, including many birds, small mammals, and plants, is insectivorous.

Other Words From

• en·to·moph·a·gous [en-t, uh, -, mof, -, uh, -g, uh, s], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of entomophagy¹

First recorded in 1875–80; entomo- ( def ) + -phagy ( def )

Example Sentences

The 26-year-old office worker, from the western prefecture of Hyogo, is one of scores of consumers across the world who have taken an interest in entomophagy, or eating insects, as bugs slowly become a more viable food source.

From Reuters

Entomophagy started to be taken seriously globally after the United Nations deemed bugs a sustainable source of protein to feed a global population estimated to swell to 9.7 billion by 2050.

From Reuters

They were learning about entomophagy — the human consumption of insects — from Lisa Sanchez, a naturalist with the Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation, who has taught the practice for 25 years.

From Washington Post

In Sanchez’s entomophagy classes, she discusses how she enjoys eating insects herself.

From Washington Post

The final word he gave us this week is “entomophagy.”

From Literature