vulture
UK: ˈvʌltʃə | US: ˈvʌltʃər
n. a large bird of prey that feeds chiefly on carrion
n. (figurative) a person who preys on or exploits others
vulture = vult<to tear> + ure<noun suffix>
- vult (from Latin vellere "to pluck, tear") → reflects the bird's scavenging behavior of tearing flesh.
- ure (Latin noun suffix) → denotes a state or function.
Etymology Origin:
The word "vulture" traces back to Latin vultur, derived from vellere ("to tear"), referencing the bird's habit of tearing into carcasses. The suffix -ure standardizes it as a noun. Over time, the term expanded metaphorically to describe exploitative humans, mirroring the bird's predatory nature.
A vulture circled overhead, scanning the desert for carrion.
The investors were like vultures, waiting to profit from the failing company.
Vultures play a crucial role in ecosystems by cleaning up dead animals.
She accused the media of being vultures, sensationalizing her tragedy.
The valley echoed with the eerie cries of vultures at dusk.