superprédateur
/sy.pɛʁ.pʁe.da.tœʁ/masculine
The English phrase apex predator is translated into French as superprédateur.
The term refers to an animal at the top of the food chain.
Meaning: an animal atop the food chain (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun changes based on gender and number: use superprédatrice for a feminine apex predator and superprédateurs for masculine plural apex predators.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /sy.pɛʁ.pʁe.da.tœʁ/. It consists of 5 syllables.
Did you know?
- The term prédatrice is often used in French literature to personify a dangerous or seductive woman, moving far away from the biological concept of an apex predator.
- The root word prédateur shares a common ancestor with the English word 'predatory' and comes from the Latin 'praedator', meaning 'plunderer'.
- The prefix super- in superprédateur does not just mean 'above' but carries a connotation of 'exceptional' or 'extreme' power, similar to how it is used in 'superhero'.
Examples in context
- Dans cet écosystème, le lion est considéré comme le prédateur supérieur .In this ecosystem, the lion is considered the apex predator.
- Le tigre est un super prédateur , capable de chasser des proies bien plus grandes que lui.The tiger is a super predator, capable of hunting prey much larger than itself.
- Le requin blanc est considéré comme un prédateur en haut de l'échelle .The great white shark is considered a predator at the top of the food chain.
- Le lion est un superprédateur efficace.The lion is an efficient apex predator.
- L'orque est le superprédateur des océans.The orca is the apex predator of the oceans.
- Ce reptile est un superprédateur redoutable.This reptile is a fearsome apex predator.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are visiting a zoo.
- NathanRegarde ce tigre, c'est un vrai superprédateur.Look at that tiger, it's a true apex predator.
- ChloéOui, il n'a aucun prédateur naturel.Yes, it has no natural predators.
- NathanC'est fascinant de voir sa puissance.It's fascinating to see its power.
- ChloéC'est essentiel pour l'équilibre de l'écosystème.It's essential for the balance of the ecosystem.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “apex predator” translations and entries superprédateur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries superprédateur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
