Definition

Noun: A substance or item derived from the body or secretions of an animal. This includes materials obtained for food, clothing, manufacturing, or other uses.

Usage

The term "animal product" is used to categorize items that originate from animals. It is a neutral, factual term common in agricultural, economic, dietary, and manufacturing contexts. It distinguishes these items from plant-based, synthetic, or mineral products.

Examples

• As a general category:
  • Leather and wool are important animal products for the textile industry.
  • The supermarket has a section dedicated to fresh animal products like meat and eggs.
• In dietary contexts:
  • Some people choose a vegan lifestyle to avoid consuming any animal products.
  • Butter is an animal product made from milk.

Advanced Usage

• In regulatory and labeling contexts: The term is used to specify ingredients or material sources.
  • The law requires clear labeling if a food contains animal products.
  • This glue is not suitable for vegetarians as it is an animal product.

Variants and Related Words

• Animal-derived: (adjective) Describing something that comes from an animal. Often used interchangeably with "animal product" as a modifier.
  • She avoids animal-derived ingredients in her cosmetics.
• By-product: (noun) A secondary product made in the process of creating something else. Many animal products are considered by-products.
  • Gelatin is often a by-product of the meat processing industry.

Synonyms

• Animal-derived material
• Livestock product (specifically from farmed animals)

Notes on Meaning

The term "animal product" refers broadly to the material itself. It does not typically describe the living animal or the act of obtaining the product. The focus is on the harvested or processed material ready for human use.

Noun

1. a product made from animal material