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. 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 /

1. See detritivore

Word History and Origins

Origin of decomposer¹

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

Example Sentences

But they and other invertebrates are the spineless backbones of ecosystems, playing critical roles as pollinators, predators, prey and decomposers.

From New York Times

The study also shows that these "universal decomposers" are largely unique to decomposition environments and are not commonly found in other soil or host-associated microbial communities.

From Science Daily

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

From National Geographic

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

Furthermore, soil already hosts an exceptionally diverse microbial community full of decomposers that are well adapted to that environment and would presumably outcompete any newcomers.

From Salon