noun

scavenger

scavenger

Vultures are well-known scavengers.

Vultures are well-known scavengers.

The children went on a scavenger hunt.

The children went on a scavenger hunt.

((a/an)) scavenger an animal that eats dead animals Vultures are well-known scavengers.

((a/an)) scavenger hunt a game where people find items on a list The children went on a scavenger hunt.

Synonyms: forager, rummager

From Middle English 'scavager', an official who collected a toll ('scavage'). The meaning shifted to someone who cleans streets, then to an animal that cleans up by eating carrion.

Think of an animal 'scouring' and 'venturing' for food scraps.

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