frugivorous

[ froo-jiv-er-uhs ]

adjective

1. fruit-eating, as certain bats.

frugivorous

/ fruːˈdʒɪvərəs /

adjective

1. feeding on fruit; fruit-eating

Word History and Origins

Origin of frugivorous¹

First recorded in 1705–15; from Latin frūgi-, combining form of frūx “fruit, crops, produce” + combining form -vorus “devouring”; frugal ( def ), -vorous

Word History and Origins

Origin of frugivorous¹

C18: from frugi- (as in frugal ) + -vorous

Example Sentences

As humans fragment the forests — that is, break large forests into smaller patches through construction and other environmentally destructive practices — the scientists learned that they restrict the movement of important frugivorous birds.

From Salon

But how does the waxwing, among the most frugivorous of birds, know the crop is ready?

From Seattle Times

Despite their reputation as ferocious predators, which they certainly could be, they were normally “frugivorous and insectivorous,” as Roosevelt put it in The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

Nine years ago, Simon Ripperger was studying frugivorous — that is, fruit-eating — bats in Costa Rica.

From Washington Post

Fruits use aromatic oils and alcohols to deter the growth of bacteria and attract seed-dispersing frugivorous animals.

From New York Times