frugivore

American  

[froo-juh-vawr, -vohr] / ˈfru dʒəˌvɔr, -ˌvoʊr /

noun

1. any chiefly fruit-eating organism, as certain bats.

---

Etymology

Origin of frugivore

First recorded in 1970–75; frugivorous, -vore

Explanation

A frugivore can be considered the fruit fanatic of the animal kingdom, as the term is used to describe any animal whose diet consists exclusively or primarily of fruit. The word frugivore comes from the Latin word frux, meaning "fruit," and vorare meaning "to devour." Many animals, like certain birds, bats, and primates, are frugivores. They play a crucial role in nature by spreading seeds and promoting plant growth. Their fruit-based diet keeps them healthy and supports the ecosystems they live in, making them essential to maintaining biodiversity.

Example Sentences

Was it an arch-predator, scavenger, nut-cracker, folivore, frugivore, or some combination of these things?

From Scientific American • Jan. 27, 2014

The most learned and world-renowned scientists affirm man's present anatomical and physiological structure to be that of a frugivore.

From No Animal Food and Nutrition and Diet with Vegetable Recipes by Wheldon, Rupert H.