Heterophagous

/ˌhɛtərəˈfæɡəs/ adjective

Definition

Describing an organism that eats many different types of food rather than specializing in eating just one kind.

Etymology

From Greek 'hetero-' (different) and 'phagous' (eating), formed with the adjective-forming suffix. Coined in ecological and zoological studies.

Kelly Says

Rats are the ultimate heterophagous animals—they'll eat pizza, grain, insects, fruit, and garbage, which is exactly why they've conquered almost every habitat on Earth!

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