Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

sanguinivorous

Adjective

/ˌsæŋɡwɪˈnɪv.ər.əs/

Definition

Feeding on blood; blood-sucking.

Examples

Some species of leeches are sanguinivorous, attaching to other animals to consume their blood.
Vampires are fictional sanguinivorous beings that are often depicted in literature and films.
The sanguinivorous nature of certain mosquitoes allows them to thrive in environments with plenty of potential hosts.

Meaning

The term sanguinivorous describes organisms that have a diet primarily consisting of blood. This is often associated with various species of animals, particularly some insects and parasites.