SARCOPHAGY Meaning and
Definition
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Sarcophagy is a noun that refers to the act of consuming or feeding on flesh, specifically the flesh of the dead. The term is derived from the Greek words "sarx," meaning flesh, and "phagein," meaning to eat. It is often associated with animal behavior, particularly with reference to certain species that partake in eating carcasses or dead bodies.
In the natural world, sarcophagy is commonly observed in scavengers such as vultures, hyenas, and certain types of insects, who play a vital role in reducing the remains of deceased animals. These organisms help to break down the decaying flesh, aiding in nutrient recycling and preventing the spread of diseases.
Additionally, sarcophagy can also be used in a figurative or metaphorical sense to describe a morally repugnant behavior or action. It can imply the idea of metaphorically feeding on someone’s misfortune or exploiting a tragic event for personal gain. The term is occasionally used in this way to describe individuals or groups who show callousness or insensitivity towards the suffering of others, particularly when they profit or derive some benefit from such occurrences.
Overall, sarcophagy encompasses both the literal consumption of flesh by animals as well as the symbolic interpretation of exploiting misfortune for personal advantage.
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The practice of eating flesh.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SARCOPHAGY
- sarcophagyus
- aarcophagy
- zarcophagy
- xarcophagy
- darcophagy
- earcophagy
- warcophagy
- szrcophagy
- ssrcophagy
- swrcophagy
- sqrcophagy
- saecophagy
- sadcophagy
- safcophagy
- satcophagy
- sa5cophagy
- sa4cophagy
- sarxophagy
- sarvophagy
- sarfophagy
Etymology of SARCOPHAGY
The word "sarcophagy" is derived from two Greek roots. The first root is "sarko-" (σαρκο-), which comes from the Greek noun "sarkos" (σάρξ) meaning "flesh". The second root is "-phagy" (-φαγία), which comes from the Greek noun "phagein" (φαγεῖν) meaning "to eat". When combined, the roots form "sarcophagy", which literally means "flesh-eating" in Greek.
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