raptorial

[ rap-tawr-ee-uhl, -tohr- ]

adjective

1. preying upon other animals; predatory.
2. adapted for seizing prey, as the bill or claws of a bird.
3. belonging or pertaining to the Raptores, a former order in which the falconiform and strigiform birds were erroneously grouped together.

raptorial

/ ræpˈtɔːrɪəl /

adjective

1. (of the feet of birds) adapted for seizing prey
2. (esp of birds) feeding on prey; predatory
3. of or relating to birds of prey

Word History and Origins

Origin of raptorial¹

1815–25; < Latin raptōr- (stem of raptor raptor ) + -ial

Word History and Origins

Origin of raptorial¹

C19: from Latin raptor a robber, from rapere to snatch

Example Sentences

Another raptorial bird of which the nest is likely to be found in January is the Turumti or red-headed merlin (Aesalon chicquera).

From Project Gutenberg

Both species of crow seem to take great delight in teasing raptorial birds.

From Project Gutenberg

To every migratory species of raptorial bird, that captures living quarry, there is a non-migratory counterpart or near relative.

From Project Gutenberg

Because of the strong popular prejudice against raptorial birds in general, laws protecting them are usually not enforced.

From Project Gutenberg

The white-eyed buzzard is almost contemptible as a bird of prey; he is a raptorial degenerate, a mere loafer.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• greedy
• marauding
• rapacious
• voracious