vulture

 
Pronunciation: /ˈvʌltʃə/

noun

  • 1a large bird of prey with the head and neck more or less bare of feathers, feeding chiefly on carrion and reputed to gather with others in anticipation of the death of a sick or injured animal or person.
    • Order Accipitriformes: the Old World vultures (family Accipitridae, especially Gyps and Aegypius) and the New World vultures (with the condors in the family Cathartidae)
  • 2a contemptible person who preys on or exploits others: the press are vultures [as modifier]: rock musicians are set upon by vulture managers

Derivatives

vulturine

Pronunciation: /-rʌɪn/
adjective

vulturish

adjective

vulturous

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French vultur, from Latin vulturius