carrion

[kar-ee-uhn]

noun

1. dead and putrefying flesh.

2. rottenness; anything vile.

adjective

1. feeding on carrion.

carrion

/ ˈkærɪən /

noun

1. dead and rotting flesh

2. (modifier) eating carrion

   carrion beetles

3. something rotten or repulsive

Word History and Origins

Origin of carrion¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of carrion¹

C13: from Anglo-French caroine, ultimately from Latin carō flesh

Example Sentences

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.

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

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

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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.

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On east-west corridors through central L.A., the brown fronds of palms — queen, fan and other varieties — were scattered on the streets and sidewalks like carrion.

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