rav·en·ous \ˈrav(ə)nəs\adjective Etymology: Middle English rauynous rushing, impetuous, rapacious, from Middle French ravineus, from raviner + -eus -ous 1.: rapacious; especially: devouring with voracious eagerness < nations ravenous as wolves > 2.: urgently eager for food : craving for satisfaction or gratification < ravenous appetite > < a ravenous boy > < this ravenous desire > Synonyms:see voracious