Scavenger Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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scavenger
[ˈskæv.ən.dʒər ]
Definitions
wildlife
An animal that feeds on dead or decaying organic matter.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scavenger |
This term is often used to describe animals or people who search for and collect items that have been discarded by others. In a social context, it can carry a negative connotation when referring to people.
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| forager |
This term is typically used to describe animals or people who search for food or provisions in the wild. It often carries a neutral or positive connotation.
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| cleaner |
This is commonly used to refer to a person or tool that cleans, such as removing dirt or bacteria. It can also refer to animals that eat dead skin or parasites off other animals.
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Examples of usage
- Vultures are known as scavengers for their diet of carrion.
- Raccoons are opportunistic scavengers, feeding on a variety of food sources.
technology
A program or tool used to search for and extract information from various sources on the internet.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scavenger |
Scavenger is often used to describe animals or people who search through waste or decaying matter for food or useful items. It has a slight negative connotation when referring to people.
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| crawler |
Crawler typically refers to creatures or objects that move close to the ground, usually at a slow pace. It doesn't have a negative connotation.
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| spider |
Spider generally refers to the eight-legged arachnids known for spinning webs. It can also be used metaphorically in the internet context to describe programs that crawl websites to gather information.
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Examples of usage
- The internet scavenger quickly gathers data from multiple websites.
- Students use a scavenger hunt app to find specific information online.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Ecology
- Scavengers play a vital role in ecosystems by cleaning up dead animals, which helps prevent the spread of disease.
- Common scavengers include vultures, raccoons, and certain types of insects, showing that many creatures benefit from leftovers.
Pop Culture
- In movies like 'The Lion King,' characters like hyenas are portrayed as scavengers, often humorously represented as greedy and mischievous.
- Video games sometimes feature scavenger characters who search for hidden items to survive, incorporating the concept into gameplay.
Psychology
- Scavenging behavior can reveal humans' resourcefulness, as people often find value in things discarded by others.
- Scavenger hunts have become popular as team-building activities, showcasing our enjoyment of seeking out hidden or lost items.
Literature
- The concept of scavenging appears in literature, where characters often navigate through society's leftovers to find meaning or resources.
- In various novels, scavengers symbolize resilience, as they thrive in conditions where others might struggle to survive.
Origin of 'scavenger'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old North French 'scavengier,' which means to 'scavenge' or clean up.
- Originally, the term described someone who collected rubbish, showing its link to tidying up spaces.
The word 'scavenger' originated from the Middle English word 'skawager' which meant a customs collector. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to animals that feed on dead organisms. In modern times, 'scavenger' is also used in technological contexts to describe tools that search for information.