entomophagy

[ en-tuh-mof-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the use of insects for food, especially by humans and as a regular part of the diet.

Usage Note

While the term entomophagy can be used of any species that consumes insects, the issue of global food supply has drawn attention to insects as a highly available nutritional option for humans specifically, sparking a marked increase in this narrower use of the word. For the related adjective entomophagous, on the other hand, the situation is reversed: it is rarely used to describe humans. It most often designates certain insect-eating fungi, nematodes, arachnids, etc., used in agriculture or horticulture to control populations of insects regarded as pests. The more general adjective to describe insect-eating species, including many birds, small mammals, and plants, is insectivorous.

Other Words From

• en·to·moph·a·gous [en-t, uh, -, mof, -, uh, -g, uh, s], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of entomophagy¹

First recorded in 1875–80; entomo- ( def ) + -phagy ( def )