detritivore
/dɪˈtraɪtɪvɔːr/
noun
Origin
Latin
detritus — worn away, waste
Overview
Meaning Now
- An organism that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter, returning essential nutrients to the ecosystem.
Literal older meaning
eater of detritus
Language path
Latin → English
Earliest form
detritivore
Earliest period
20th century
Journey
The term emerged in 20th-century ecology to distinguish organisms like earthworms, woodlice, and sea cucumbers from decomposers (bacteria/fungi) that use chemical absorption, whereas detritivores ingest solid organic matter.
Evolution
- Latin
deterere
“to wear away”
Root verb from de- + terere.
- Latin
detritus
“rubbed off; waste matter”
Past participle of deterere.
- English
detritus
“organic or inorganic debris”
Loanword adopted into scientific English.
- English
detritivore
“organism feeding on debris”
Combined with Latin -vorare (to swallow/eat).
Connections
Word parts
detriti
root
waste/debris
vore
suffix
one that eats
Related across languages
French
détritivore
detritivore
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Related to detritivore
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.