Hematophagy
/ˌhɛm.əˈtɒf.ə.dʒi/noun
The practice of feeding on blood.
Did you know?Hematophagy isn’t just for vampires; many creatures, like leeches and certain bats, embody this blood-drinking practice, linking them to ancient rituals of life force consumption.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kʷe-
“to consume, eat; related to the act of feeding.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
αἷμα (haima)
“blood, often associated with life and sacrifice.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
φαγείν (phagein)
“to eat; a root associated with consumption and devouring.”
Late Latin
Latin
hematophagia
“the act of eating blood, a term used in early biological contexts.”
Modern English
English
hematophagy
“the specific practice of blood-feeding, particularly by certain animals.”
Explore more surprising origins