1. a chemical agent that is added to a chemical mixture to counteract the effects of impurities (Freq. 1) • Derivationally related forms: scavenge • Hypernyms: chemical agent 2. someone who collects things that have been discarded by others • Syn: magpie, pack rat • Derivationally related forms: scavenge • Hypernyms: hoarder 3. any animal that feeds on refuse and other decaying organic matter • Derivationally related forms: scavenge • Hypernyms: animal, animate being, beast, brute, creature, fauna • Hyponyms: bottom-feeder