Vulturous

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Marked by an unquenchable desire for wealth or gain
2. Descriptive of a person who exploits the hardships of others with relentless ferocity
3. Showing extreme greed and eagerness for material gain ; taking advantage of others' suffering with fierce intensity

Etymology: "Vulturous" is a plain formation: the noun "vulture" with the adjective-forming suffix "-ous" attached, meaning "like a vulture" and, by extension, the grasping, predatory behaviour that the bird's habits suggested. The suffix itself reaches English through Old French from Latin "-osus", which was used to build adjectives meaning "full of" or "having the qualities of" a noun, so "vulturous" literally describes something full of vulture-ness. The noun "vulture" comes into English from Latin "vultur", and it traces back to an ancient Indo-European root meaning "to tear" or "to rend", a fitting origin for a scavenging bird that feeds on carcasses. The sense of the adjective has shifted from the bird's appearance and habits toward a metaphor for people who prey on others' money, which is the meaning the word carries today.

Synonyms: predatory, rapacious, grasping

Antonyms: generous, selfless, benevolent