Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /zuˈfɪləs/
KK: /zuˈfɪləs/
Definition
Describing plants that are pollinated by animals rather than by wind or water.
Example
Many flowers are zoophilous, attracting bees and butterflies for pollination.
Conversation

Did you know that some plants are zoophilous and rely on animals for pollination?

Really? I had no idea plants could depend on animals like that.

Yeah, it’s fascinating how nature works together, isn’t it?

Absolutely! It makes you appreciate the environment even more.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
animal-loving
faunal
zoological
Antonyms
anthrophilous
human-loving
botanical
Root Explanation
Zoophilous → It is formed from "zoo-" (from Greek "zōion", meaning animal) and "-philous" (from Greek "philos", meaning loving or fond of). The word describes a love or fondness for animals.
Memory Tip
Think of 'zoo' for animals and 'philous' meaning love — this helps you remember that zoophilous refers to a love for animals.
Visually Confused Words
zodiophilous
zoidiophilous
toxophilous
boophilus
zooidiophilous
tropophilous
rhizophilous
photophilous