How Do You Spell CARRION?

Pronunciation: [kˈaɹi͡ən] (IPA)

The word "carrion" is spelled with two Rs and two Is despite its pronunciation, which is /ˈkær.i.ən/. The reason for this is that the word is derived from the Latin word "caro" meaning flesh, which is spelled with two Rs. The double I in the word is a result of Latin's spelling conventions, where the combination of "ci" makes an "sh" sound. The spelling of "carrion" may seem odd, but it is a case of English adopting words from other languages and retaining their original spellings.

CARRION Meaning and Definition

  1. Carrion is a noun that refers to the decaying and rotting flesh of dead animals, particularly those that have been left unburied or abandoned. It often suggests the presence of scavenging animals, like vultures or maggots, that feed on this decomposing flesh. The term is typically used for the remains of larger animals, such as dogs, cats, birds, or livestock, rather than for smaller creatures like insects or rodents.

    The term "carrion" is often associated with a putrid smell, as the decay process releases various gases and chemicals. This decaying flesh not only provides a source of sustenance for scavengers but also acts as a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites, which can aid in the breakdown process.

    Carrion is commonly found in the natural environment, particularly in wilderness areas where dead animals are left to decompose naturally. However, it can also be found in urban settings, such as roadkill on highways or the remains of deceased animals in abandoned buildings.

    In some cultural or religious contexts, carrion is regarded as unclean or impure and is avoided or treated with caution due to its association with death and decay.

  2. • Flesh unfit for human food.
    • Relating to; carrion-crow, the species of crow common in England which feeds on carrion, insects, &c.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for CARRION *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CARRION

Etymology of CARRION

The word "carrion" has an interesting etymology. It derives from the Old North French word "caroigne" or "caroine", which entered English around the 14th century. This Old North French term originally came from the Vulgar Latin word "caronia", meaning "flesh" or "meat". "Caronia" itself is derived from the Latin word "caro", meaning "flesh" or "meat", which is also the root of words like "carnivorous" and "carnival". Over time, the term "caroigne" or "caroine" in Old North French evolved to "carogne" in Middle French, which eventually transformed into "carrion" in English. The term "carrion" specifically refers to the decaying flesh of dead animals.

Similar spelling words for CARRION

Plural form of CARRION is CARRIONS

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