sanguivorous

American  

[sang-gwiv-er-uhs] / sæŋˈgwɪv ər əs /

adjective

1. feeding on blood, as a bat or insect.

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Etymology

Origin of sanguivorous

First recorded in 1835–45; sangui- + -vorous

Explanation

If an animal is sanguivorous, it gets its nourishment from blood — think blood-suckers like mosquitoes and leeches, not to mention the infamously sanguivorous Count Dracula. This adjective comes from Latin roots, sanguis, "blood," and vorare, "to devour." Just as humans' diet of plants and animals makes us omnivorous, a diet of blood makes ticks and fleas sanguivorous. The idea of devouring blood may turn your stomach, but for sanguivorous creatures like bedbugs and vampire bats, it's simply the food they need to survive. Some animals are partially sanguivorous, like female black flies, which need blood but also feed on nectar.

Example Sentences

The first record of a sanguivorous bat caught in its horrid act was written by Charles Darwin, whose servant surprised one feeding from a horse's withers in Chile.

From Time Magazine Archive