'zoophagic' originates from Greek via New Latin; it is built from the Greek elements 'zōion' meaning 'animal' and 'phagein' meaning 'to eat', with the English adjectival suffix '-ic'.

'zoophagic' developed through scientific New Latin/Modern Latin formations (compare 'zoophagy' and 'zoophagous'), combining Greek roots and later adopting the English suffix '-ic' to form the adjective.

Initially used in scientific contexts to denote 'pertaining to eating animals' and this basic meaning has remained largely stable into modern usage.