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.

Origin of entomophagy

1
First recorded in 1875–80; entomo- + -phagy

usage note For entomophagy

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 entomophagy

  • en·to·moph·a·gous [en-tuh-mof-uh-guhs], /ˌɛn təˈmɒf ə gəs/, adjective

Words Nearby entomophagy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024