kärˈniv(ə)rə noun plural
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, neuter plural of carnivorus carnivorous — more at carnivorous
1. capitalized : an order of eutherian mammals that are believed to have arisen from generalized insectivores during the Paleocene and are mostly carnivorous in habit having teeth adapted for flesh eating, a simple stomach and short intestine, feet with four or more usually clawed toes, a well-developed brain, clavicles wanting or vestigial, and a zonary deciduate placenta — compare creodonta , fissipeda , pinnipedia
2. : carnivorous animals ; especially : members of the Carnivora