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decomposer

[ dee-kuhm-poh-zer ]

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.

decomposer

/ ˌdiːkəmˈpəʊzə /

noun

  1. See producer, consumer
    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

decomposer

/ dē′kəm-pō′zər /

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Word History and Origins

Origin of decomposer1

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

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Compare Meanings

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

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Example Sentences

When a living thing dies, its tissue becomes food for decomposers.

However, he said nothing, and felt sure his morphia could not be detected in beer by any decomposer but the stomach.

You put in a good inferior article of plumbing,—such as you find everywhere—and add my decomposer, and there you are.

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