noun
predator
PRED-uh-ter/ˈpredətər/
An animal that captures other animals for food.
The lion is a predator that stalks antelope on the savanna.
Etymology
The Latin formation meant a plunderer, someone who takes booty. Its biological use casts an animal that hunts and eats others as a taker of prey.
In context
If most animals have evolved a camouflaged coat, why do zebras stand out? It's believed that in a herd, the markings make it difficult for a predator to single out one animal.
More examples
- An eagle is a powerful predator that catches fish.
- Mice hide in tall grass to avoid predators.
- Ladybugs are small predators that eat aphids.
Forms
Similar words
- hunter
- Also describes people pursuing animals for food or sport.
- carnivore
- Emphasizes eating meat, whether hunted or found already dead.