carrion

American  

[kar-ee-uhn] / ˈkær i ən /

noun

1. dead and putrefying flesh.

2. rottenness; anything vile.

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adjective

1. feeding on carrion.

carrion British  

/ ˈkærɪən /

noun

1. dead and rotting flesh

2. (modifier) eating carrion

   carrion beetles

3. something rotten or repulsive

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Etymology

Origin of carrion

1175–1225; Middle English caroyne, careyn, carion < Anglo-French careine, Old French charo ( i ) gne < Vulgar Latin *caronia, equivalent to Latin carun- ( caruncle ) + -ia -y ³

Example Sentences

After weeks of patience, last year's winner, Shane Gross, captured peppered moray eels scavenging for carrion at low tide.

From BBC

Like the bird of prey seeking carrion, a foreign correspondent is characterized as a misery merchant or conflict cowboy, making a living from death and disaster.

From Los Angeles Times

In the wild, its stench lures pollinators like carrion beetles and flies, which are drawn to the smell of rotting flesh.

From Los Angeles Times

Buzzards are the most common and widespread bird of prey in the UK and often feed on carrion, according to the RSPB.

From BBC

This class of “carrion flowers” includes many species, but few are as charismatic as Rafflesia arnoldii, also known as the “stinking corpse lily,” which also holds the record as the world’s largest flower.

From Salon