carrion
noun
car·ri·on ˈker-ē-ən 
ˈka-rē-
: dead and putrefying flesh
Vultures live chiefly on carrion.
also : flesh unfit for food
Example Sentences
Vultures live chiefly on carrion.
Recent Examples on the Web She savors carrion, cockroaches, earthworms, and insect exoskeletons. 
Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic, 20 July 2022 The birds can live for 60 years and fly vast distances in search of carrion, so their range could extend into several states. CBS News, 4 May 2022 Their standings surge, by contrast, has come almost entirely while feeding on AL West carrion, with a 19-7 record against that division. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 16 June 2022 Even those which do favor carrion, fungus or rotting fruit serve as important pollinators for several of our native plants like pawpaw, wild ginger, and Jack-in-the-pulpit. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 15 June 2022 However, they are also known as opportunistic predators that will eat just about anything that comes their way, including carrion and pets. CBS News, 1 June 2022 Similar rates of lead exposure were found in golden eagles, which scientists say means the raptors likely consumed carrion or prey contaminated by lead from ammunition or fishing tackle. Christina Larson, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Feb. 2022 Similar rates of lead exposure were found in golden eagles, which scientists say means the raptors likely consumed carrion or prey contaminated by lead from ammunition or fishing tackle. Christina Larson, ajc, 17 Feb. 2022 Eagles often feast on carrion, including gut piles and other remains. NBC News, 18 Feb. 2022 See More
Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic, 20 July 2022 The birds can live for 60 years and fly vast distances in search of carrion, so their range could extend into several states. CBS News, 4 May 2022 Their standings surge, by contrast, has come almost entirely while feeding on AL West carrion, with a 19-7 record against that division. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 16 June 2022 Even those which do favor carrion, fungus or rotting fruit serve as important pollinators for several of our native plants like pawpaw, wild ginger, and Jack-in-the-pulpit. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 15 June 2022 However, they are also known as opportunistic predators that will eat just about anything that comes their way, including carrion and pets. CBS News, 1 June 2022 Similar rates of lead exposure were found in golden eagles, which scientists say means the raptors likely consumed carrion or prey contaminated by lead from ammunition or fishing tackle. Christina Larson, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Feb. 2022 Similar rates of lead exposure were found in golden eagles, which scientists say means the raptors likely consumed carrion or prey contaminated by lead from ammunition or fishing tackle. Christina Larson, ajc, 17 Feb. 2022 Eagles often feast on carrion, including gut piles and other remains. NBC News, 18 Feb. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English caroine, from Anglo-French caroine, charoine, from Vulgar Latin *caronia, irregular from Latin carn-, caro flesh — more at carnal
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing carrion
Kids Definition
carrion
noun
car·ri·on ˈker-ē-ən
: dead and decaying flesh
carrion
noun
as in carcass
the flesh of dead animals Vultures live chiefly on carrion. Synonyms & Similar Words
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- carcass
- corpse
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- carnage
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