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rapace

rapacious, grasping

adjective noun rah-PAHS Rare

Origin: From Latin rapax (seizing, grasping), from rapere (to seize).

Also means

bird of prey (noun use)

Usage Note

Rapace as an adjective describes a person who is greedily acquisitive — un homme d'affaires rapace is a ruthless, grasping businessman. As a masculine noun, un rapace is a bird of prey (hawk, eagle, falcon). The two senses are clearly distinct by context. The plural is des rapaces in both uses.

Examples

"L'aigle est un rapace impressionnant."

Natural Translation

The eagle is an impressive bird of prey.

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