Definition

The practice of eating only a limited variety of foods, often focusing on just a few specific types.

Example

Some animals exhibit oligophagy by feeding exclusively on certain plants.

Conversation

Did you know some animals have oligophagy and only eat specific plants?

Really? I had no idea! What does that mean exactly?

It means they feed on just a few types of food, like certain flowers or grasses.

That’s interesting! I guess it makes their diets pretty simple.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Oligophagy is formed from "oligo-" (from Greek "oligos", meaning few or little) and "phagy" (from Greek "phagein", meaning to eat). The term refers to the practice of eating a limited variety of food or a small number of food types.

Memory Tip

Think of 'few' ('oligo-') and 'eating' ('phagy') to remember that oligophagy means eating only a few types of food.

Visually Confused Words