ˈpredəd.ə(r), -edətə- also -edəˌtȯ(ə)r or -ȯ(ə) noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin praedator plunderer, hunter, from praedatus (past participle of praedari to plunder, prey on) + -or — more at prey
1. : one that preys, destroys, or devours
of all the man-made agents of destruction, … the motorcar is the most voracious predator — Eugene Kinkead
2. : an animal that depends on predation for its food:
a. : carnivore ; especially : an animal that preys on one or more other animals that man wishes to preserve for his own use
b. : insectivore
3. law : an animal or bird not regarded as game and not protected by game laws