porcine

UK: ˈpɔːsaɪn | US: ˈpɔːrsaɪn

Definition

  1. adj. relating to or resembling pigs

  2. adj. having qualities (e.g., greed, gluttony) associated with pigs

Structure
porc <pig (from Latin *porcus*) + ine<adjective suffix (denoting relation)>
Etymology

Derived from Latin porcus (pig), porcine entered English via Old French porcin. The suffix -ine (from Latin -inus) indicates "pertaining to," creating a direct link to swine-like traits. The word reflects both biological classification and metaphorical associations (e.g., greed).

Examples

  1. The farm’s porcine inhabitants snorted loudly at feeding time.

  2. His porcine appetite made him notorious at buffet dinners.

  3. The artist’s sculpture exaggerated porcine features for satirical effect.

  4. Researchers studied porcine viruses to improve livestock vaccines.

  5. Critics described the villain’s porcine grin as unnervingly smug.