What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
detrivorous
Example
The earthworm is a detrivorous animal that helps break down dead leaves and other organic matter. [detrivorous: adjective]
Example
Detrivores play an important role in maintaining the balance of nutrients in the soil. [detrivores: noun]
detritivorous
Example
The vulture is a detritivorous bird that feeds on carrion. [detritivorous: adjective]
Example
Detritivores such as crabs and shrimp help clean up the ocean floor by consuming dead animals. [detritivores: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Detritivorous is more commonly used than detrivorous in scientific contexts, but both words are relatively uncommon in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between detrivorous and detritivorous?
Both detrivorous and detritivorous are formal words that are primarily used in scientific contexts to describe the feeding habits of organisms.
