Carnivora

American  

[kahr-niv-er-uh] / kɑrˈnɪv ər ə /

noun

1. the order of placental mammals comprising the carnivorans and noted for much diversity in habitats, sizes of species, and diets: divided into two suborders, Caniformia (dogs and doglike species) and Feliformia (cats and catlike species).

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Etymology

Origin of Carnivora

First recorded in 1820–30; from New Latin, Latin carnivora (animālia) “meat-eating (animals),” neuter plural of carnivorus carnivorous

Example Sentences

Despite being part of the meat-eating order Carnivora, pandas typically practice a plant-based diet, eschewing salmon and seal meat at the bear family barbecue for shoots of bamboo.

From New York Times • Jun. 30, 2022

Cats and dogs are part of the same group beginning with the Order: Carnivora level.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Although the new animal is in the taxonomic order Carnivora — a group of mammals that includes cats and dogs — it is not carnivorous because it does not primarily eat meat.

From Washington Post • Aug. 15, 2013

Phylogeny of the Carnivora: basal relationships among the carnivoramorphans, and assessment of the position of ‘Miacoidea’ relative to Carnivora.

From Scientific American • Feb. 25, 2013

I.—Left upper sectorial or carnassial teeth of Carnivora.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 4 "Carnegie Andrew" to "Casus Belli" by Various