Erythrophagous

/ɛrɪˈθrɑfəɡəs/ adjective

Definition

Describing cells or organisms that consume or feed on red blood cells or red-colored matter.

Etymology

From Greek erythro- (red) + -phagous (eating). Adjective form of erythrophage, describing the property or behavior of eating red cells.

Kelly Says

Certain parasites like malaria parasites are erythrophagous—they literally live inside red blood cells and feed on hemoglobin, which is why infected people become severely anemic and weak.

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