decomposer

American  

[dee-kuhm-poh-zer] / ˌdi kəmˈpoʊ zər /

noun

1. a person or thing that decomposes.

2. Ecology. an organism, usually a bacterium or fungus, that breaks down the cells of dead plants and animals into simpler substances.

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decomposer British  

/ ˌdiːkəmˈpəʊzə /

noun

1. ecology any organism in a community, such as a bacterium or fungus, that breaks down dead tissue enabling the constituents to be recycled to the environment See also consumer producer

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decomposer Scientific  

/ dē′kəm-pō′zər /

1. See detritivore

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Etymology

Origin of decomposer

First recorded in 1815–25; decompose + -er ¹

Compare meaning

How does decomposer compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• detritivore vs. decomposer

Explanation

Organisms that break down dead plants and animals are decomposers. Mushrooms are a familiar type of decomposer, absorbing nutrients from rotting plant matter. Decomposers, just as their name implies, do the important job of breaking down or decomposing other organisms. Fungi are powerful decomposers; some of them are even able to break down wood using special enzymes. Another kind of decomposer is the single-celled bacteria, which helps in processes like the breakdown of leaves and food waste into compost.

Example Sentences

They’re not the only fungus that changes from harmless decomposer to predator.

From National Geographic • Dec. 12, 2023

Payment comes either in the form of carbon from the host while it is living, or when their friendly host dies, and the patient decomposer gets to work.

From Science Daily • Oct. 23, 2023

It's a beautiful little wood decomposer that usually shows up in October, November.

From Scientific American • Jan. 26, 2023

He and others suggest finding a way to enhance decomposer diversity may buffer against the negative effects of climate change.

From Science Magazine • May 11, 2022

A mushroom is one example of a decomposer.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2018