Definition

Describing an organism that eats a variety of different foods.

Example

Some species of birds are polyphagous, meaning they can eat fruits, seeds, and insects.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Did you know that some insects are polyphagous?

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they can eat many different types of food.

That’s interesting! I didn’t realize how versatile they are.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Polyphagous → It is formed from "poly-" (from Greek "polus", meaning many) and "phagous" (from Greek "phagein", meaning to eat). The word describes an organism that eats many different kinds of food.

Memory Tip

Think of 'many' ('poly-') and 'eating' ('phagous') to remember that polyphagous refers to something that eats many different types of food.

Visually Confused Words