anthropophagus

noun

an·thro·poph·a·gus ˌan(t)-thrə-ˈpä-fə-gəs

plural anthropophagi ˌan(t)-thrə-ˈpä-fə-ˌgī

-ˌjī,

-ˌgē

: man-eater, cannibal

Examples of anthropophagus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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This led paleontologist Christopher Brochu and colleagues to name the Olduvai predator Crocodylus anthropophagus – the human-eating crocodile. —

Brian Switek, Smithsonian, 30 Jan. 2017

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin anthrōpophagus, noun derivative of Greek anthrōpophágos "eating human flesh" — more at anthropophagous

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of anthropophagus was in 1552

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Anthropophagus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthropophagus. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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