Expert: Maria - 11/19/2008

Question
Maria, would you please tell me what is the singular of Icthyophagi?
Thank you.

Answer
Hello,

the singular of the name “Ichthyophagi” is “Ichthyophagus”  which is the Latin transliteration of the ancient Greek term “Ichthyophagos”( Greek letters, Ἰχθυοφάγος, meaning 'Fish-Eater).

As you know, “Ichthyophagi” is in fact the Latinized form of the Ancient Greek  “Ichthyophagoi” (Greek letters, Ἰχθυοφάγοι, meaning "Fish-Eaters") which  was the name given by some ancient Greek authors to the inhabitants of many coastal regions who usually ate fish.

Note that there is also an  anglicized form of the singular adjective “Ichthyophagus”.

It is "ichthyophagous", meaning "feeding on fish".

Anyway, the English adjective "ichthyophagous" is used  in veterinary science to indicate some animals that feed on fish, while “Ichthyophagus” has a historical use as it denotes a man who belongs to those peoples who were called "Fish-Eaters" in ancient times.   

Best regards,
Maria