carnivoran

[ kahr-niv-er-uhn ]

noun

1. any member of the placental mammal order Carnivora, a mostly carnivorous order, but inclusive of several omnivorous and herbivorous species as well: Compare carnivore ( def 1 ).

   dogs, cats, and other domesticated carnivorans.

adjective

1. of or relating to any member or members of the placental mammal order Carnivora:

   carnivoran species.

Word History and Origins

Origin of carnivoran¹

First recorded in 1965–70; carnivor(e) ( def ) + -an ( def )

Example Sentences

She was hoping to return there to look in on her favorite carnivoran — the kind with shaggy hair, long snouts, powerful torsos, stocky legs and large, non-retractable claws.

From New York Times

Liow, L. H. & Finarelli, J. A. A dynamic global equilibrium in carnivoran diversification over 20 million years.

From Nature

One of the oldest known mammal bacula is from a Carnivoran called Amphicyon, from around 15 mya.

From The Guardian

“Here you have different carnivoran species,” she continued.

From New York Times

“Raccoons are not your typical carnivoran,” said Ms. Herculano-Houzel.

From Washington Times