anthophagy
|an-tho-pha-gy|
🇺🇸
/ænˈθɑfəɡi/
🇬🇧
/ænˈθɒfəɡi/
eating flowers
Etymology
'anthophagy' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'anthos' and 'phagein', where 'anthos' meant 'flower' and 'phagein' meant 'to eat'.
'anthophagy' was formed in New Latin/modern scientific English from the Greek compound (via New Latin 'anthophagia') and entered English as the technical term 'anthophagy'.
Initially it meant 'the eating of flowers' in technical/biological contexts, and this core meaning has been retained in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the practice or behavior of eating flowers (by animals or insects); florivory.
Anthophagy is observed in several species of beetles that feed on petals and reproductive parts of flowers.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/24 16:49