Definition

The act of eating feces, which is a behavior observed in some animals and occasionally in humans.

Example

Some animals, like rabbits, practice coprophagy to obtain nutrients from their food.

Conversation

Did you know that some animals practice coprophagy?

Really? That's kind of gross, isn't it?

Yeah, they eat their own feces to get more nutrients.

I guess nature has its own way of recycling!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Coprophagy → It is formed from "copro-" (from Greek "kopros", meaning dung or excrement) and "-phagy" (from Greek "phagein", meaning to eat). The word describes the act of eating feces.

Memory Tip

Think of 'kopros' meaning dung and 'phagein' meaning to eat — that's why coprophagy refers to the act of eating dung.

Visually Confused Words