What is a lacto-ovo vegetarian?

Dear Will,

A lacto-ovo vegetarian is a person who is a vegetarian, but does consume the animal products of eggs (ovo) and milk (lacto). It's as simple as that. A strict vegetarian is called a vegan. Vegans eat no animal products, no meat, fish or poultry, no eggs or dairy. They also avoid foods with animal products such as baked products made with butter. There are other classes of vegetarians, and more are arising all the time as people continue to modify their diets towards a lessening reliance on meats.

I think I have referred to lacto-ovo vegetarians in other answers without clarifying what it means. I will try to be more careful in the future to be sure the terminology I use is defined for you.

Thank you for writing.