gross feeder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gross feeder" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in agricultural or ecological contexts to describe an organism that consumes a large amount of food or resources. Example: "The gross feeder in the ecosystem plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling by consuming vast quantities of organic matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A gross feeder.

The New York Times - Books

"The gross feeder" — that is, the heavy eater — "is a man in the larva state," Thoreau wrote, in one of his body-hating anorexic metaphors.

The New Yorker

The blackcurrant is a gross feeder and benefits from additional nitrogen, and phosphatic and potash fertilisers should also be applied annually.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This January, Forbes Digital Tool outlined how the emergence of low-priced computers and more aggressive competition from bottom-feeders like Advanced Micro Devices and National Semiconductor's Cyrix Corp. had cut into Intel's gross profit margins.

Forbes

"Hamster feeder?" he shouts.

The New Yorker

You need a feeder.

The Guardian - Sport

"I was a feeder.

The New Yorker

Really gross".

The New York Times - Sports

Forget gross.

The New Yorker

Heart Bird Feeder, £8.

Independent

— There's an automatic feeder.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing plants or organisms, use "gross feeder" to accurately portray their high nutrient requirements. For instance, blackcurrants are often described as "gross feeders" due to their need for substantial fertilization.

Common error

Avoid using "gross feeder" in contexts where "gross" might be misinterpreted as disgusting or unpleasant. While technically accurate for heavy consumption, it can create a negative impression if not carefully applied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gross feeder" primarily functions as a descriptive term, typically an adjective modifying a noun. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, describing something that consumes a large amount of resources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gross feeder" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that consumes a large quantity of resources, often in the context of plants or other organisms with high nutrient needs. While the term is correct, be mindful of potential negative connotations associated with the word "gross". Ludwig suggests the phrase appears primarily in news articles, wikis, and scientific contexts. Less ambiguous alternatives such as "heavy feeder" or "voracious eater" can be considered based on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavy consumer

Emphasizes the large amount consumed, shifting from the act of feeding to the characteristic of being a consumer.

voracious eater

Highlights the insatiable appetite and eagerness to consume, rather than just the quantity consumed.

prolific feeder

Focuses on the abundance of feeding activity, suggesting a high rate of consumption over time.

copious consumer

Indicates consumption in large quantities, similar to "gross", but with a slightly more formal tone.

large-scale consumer

Specifies that the consumption occurs on a significant scale, emphasizing the magnitude of resource use.

big eater

A simpler, more direct way to describe someone or something that eats a lot.

nutrient-intensive feeder

Highlights the focus on acquiring a significant amount of nutrients during feeding.

resource-intensive consumer

Highlights the significant utilization of resources by the consumer.

high-volume feeder

Focuses on the sheer amount of food or resources ingested.

bulk consumer

Emphasizes the consumption of large quantities or masses of resources.

FAQs

How can I use "gross feeder" in a sentence?

You can use "gross feeder" to describe organisms that require a lot of nutrients. For example: "The blackcurrant is a "gross feeder" and benefits from additional nitrogen".

What's a less ambiguous alternative to "gross feeder"?

Consider using "heavy feeder" or "voracious eater" depending on the context, to avoid any potential negative connotations associated with the word "gross".

Is "gross feeder" a formal or informal term?

"Gross feeder" leans towards a technical or scientific register rather than casual conversation. In less formal situations, you might opt for "big eater" or "heavy consumer".

Can "gross feeder" apply to humans?

While technically applicable to anything that consumes a large amount, using "gross feeder" to describe a person could be seen as offensive. It's generally best to avoid this usage.