də̇ˈtrīd.əˌvōr, -ˌvȯr noun
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary detrit us + -i- + -vore ; originally formed in German
: an organism (as a small invertebrate animal) that feeds on dead and decomposing organic matter (as leaf litter in a forest or stream)
• de·tri·tiv·o·rous ˌdetrə̇ˈtiv(ə)rəs adjective