-phagous - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation
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-phagous (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation


Part of Speech

The suffix "-phagous" is an adjective derived from Greek, frequently used in biological and ecological contexts.

Phonetic Transcription

/ˈfæɡəs/

Meaning and Usage

The term "-phagous" refers to the feeding habits of organisms, specifically indicating what or how something eats. It often combines with a prefix to modify and specify the organism's diet. This suffix is used primarily in written scientific texts and discussions rather than everyday oral speech, though it may surface in specialized conversations among biologists, ecologists, or environmentalists.

Example Sentences

  1. Many species of insects are herbivorous, but there are also several that are carnivorous, meaning they are strictly -phagous.
    Многие виды насекомых травоядные, но также есть несколько, которые плотоядные, что означает, что они строго -фагус.

  2. Research has shown that being omnivorous has evolutionary advantages over being strictly -phagous.
    Исследования показали, что быть всеядным имеет эволюционные преимущества по сравнению со строгим -фагусом.

  3. The term "saprozoic" refers to organisms that are -phagous and feed on decomposed organic material.
    Термин "сапрозойный" относится к организмам, которые -фагусны и питаются разложившимся органическим материалом.

Idiomatic Expressions

The suffix "-phagous" does not lend itself to idiomatic expressions in a traditional sense, as it is part of scientific nomenclature. However, it can combine with various prefixes to form terms describing specific feeding behaviors, which might help to consider its usage in somewhat of an idiomatic context within biology.

Example Sentences

  1. The term "microphagous" describes organisms that feed on microscopic organisms.
    Термин "микрофагус" описывает организмы, которые питаются микроскопическими организмами.

  2. Frogs are known to be insectivorous, thus considered -phagous in relation to their diet.
    Лягушки известны как насекомоядные, таким образом, их можно считать -фагусами в отношении их рациона.

  3. A study on detritivorous creatures reveals how important decomposers are in an ecosystem, categorizing them as -phagous organisms.
    Исследование детритиворов показывает, насколько важны разлагатели в экосистеме, классифицируя их как -фагусные организмы.

Etymology

The suffix "-phagous" originates from the Greek word "phagein," which means "to eat" or "to consume." It has been adopted into English from the scientific terms used in biology, zoology, and ecology to describe various feeding habits and dietary classifications of organisms.

Synonyms and Antonyms

This suffix is pivotal in creating a network of words that explain the dietary peculiarities of various life forms, showcasing the diversity of life and its adaptive strategies.



25-07-2024