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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