Pronunciation: [skˈavɪnd͡ʒə] (IPA) 
The word "scavenger" is spelled with a "g," despite being pronounced with a "j" sound. This is due to the word's etymology, which derives from the Middle English word "skawager," meaning "customs officer." Over time, the pronunciation shifted to a "j" sound, but the spelling remained the same. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /ˈskævəndʒər/ with the "v" and "j" sounds represented by the same symbol, /v/.
A scavenger is defined as an organism, typically an animal or a bird, that feeds on dead or decaying organic matter, often referred to as carrion. These organisms play a crucial ecological role in nature's nutrient cycle as they clean up and decompose organic waste, thereby aiding in the recycling of nutrients back into the environment. Scavengers are specifically adapted to seek out and consume dead animals, plants, or other organic substances that have already started to decay or decompose.
Scavengers possess unique physical and behavioral adaptations that enable them to detect the presence of decaying matter, locate the source, and efficiently consume it. These traits may include a keen sense of smell, highly developed vision or hearing, and specialized feeding strategies like tearing, ripping, or pecking apart deceased animals or plants. They are often in direct competition with predators, such as lions or wolves, for access to carcasses and other food sources.
The ecological impact of scavengers extends beyond the consumption of carrion. By efficiently cleaning up and removing decaying matter, scavengers contribute to the reduction of disease transmission by preventing the build-up of harmful bacteria and parasites. Additionally, by preventing the accumulation of rotting organic debris, scavengers help maintain overall environmental health and prevent the spread of diseases that might arise from decomposition.
In conclusion, scavengers are an important and diverse group of organisms that fulfill a vital ecological role as decomposers, consuming and recycling dead organic matter. They are equipped with adaptations that enable them to locate, consume, and dispose of carrion efficiently, thereby contributing to the overall health and balance of ecosystems.
• In Scot., one employed in cleaning streets; one engaged in a mean or dirty occupation.
• To clean streets or dirty places.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "scavenger" is derived from the Middle English word "scawageour", which was adapted from Old French "escawageour". This Old French term was formed by combining "escawage" (meaning "scavage" or "toll") with the agent suffix "-our" (denoting a person or thing that does or performs a specific action). Ultimately, the word "scawageour" can be traced back to the Late Latin term "scavare", which means "to clear away". The etymology of "scavenger" suggests its original meaning of a person who clears away waste or collects discarded items.
