scavenger
UK: ˈskæv.ɪn.dʒər | US: ˈskæv.ɪn.dʒər
n. an organism that feeds on dead or decaying organic matter
n. a person who collects or searches for discarded items
n. (historical) an official responsible for cleaning streets
The word "scavenger" originates from the Anglo-Norman scawager, meaning "tax collector" or "inspector of goods," derived from scawage (a toll on goods). Over time, it shifted to describe street cleaners who collected refuse, and later generalized to organisms or individuals who collect discarded materials. The root "scavenge" retains the core idea of gathering or cleaning, while the suffix "-er" denotes the actor.
Vultures are nature’s scavengers, preventing the spread of disease.
He worked as a scavenger, collecting recyclables from the trash.
In medieval cities, scavengers played a vital role in maintaining hygiene.
The raccoon is a clever scavenger, often raiding garbage cans.
Modern scavengers repurpose discarded electronics into art.