feeder
UK: ˈfiːdə | US: ˈfiːdər
n. a person or device that supplies food or materials
n. a branch road or railway line connecting to a main route
n. an animal or plant that serves as a food source for another
The word "feeder" originates from the Old English verb "fēdan" (to feed), derived from Proto-Germanic *fōdijaną. The suffix "-er" (from Old English "-ere") denotes an agent or tool performing an action. Combined, "feeder" literally means "one who or that which feeds." Over time, its usage expanded metaphorically to include non-living systems (e.g., transport routes) and ecological relationships.
The bird feeder attracts finches and sparrows to the garden.
The factory installed an automatic feeder to streamline production.
This railway line acts as a feeder to the main transit hub.
Mosquitoes are common feeders on human blood.
The documentary highlighted krill as a vital feeder species in the ocean.