carnivoran

[ kahr-niv-er-uhn ]

noun

1. any member of the placental mammal order Carnivora, a mostly carnivorous order, but inclusive of several omnivorous and herbivorous species as well: Compare carnivore ( def 1 ).

   dogs, cats, and other domesticated carnivorans.

adjective

1. of or relating to any member or members of the placental mammal order Carnivora:

   carnivoran species.

Word History and Origins

Origin of carnivoran¹

First recorded in 1965–70; carnivor(e) ( def ) + -an ( def )