'carnivorous' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'carnivorus,' where 'carni-' meant 'flesh' and '-vorus' meant 'devouring.'

'carnivorus' transformed into the French word 'carnivore,' and eventually became the modern English word 'carnivorous' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'flesh-eating,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.