'detritivore' originates from Modern/New Latin, specifically the word 'detritivorus', where 'detrit-' (from Latin 'detritus') meant 'worn away, rubbed off' and '-vore' (from Latin 'vorare') meant 'to devour.'

'detritivore' was formed in Modern/New Latin as 'detritivorus' by combining Latin 'detritus' and the suffix '-vorus'/'-vore', and this formation entered scientific English usage to give the modern English word 'detritivore.'

Initially formed to mean 'one that devours or consumes detritus,' the meaning has remained focused on organisms that consume dead and decaying organic matter and play a role in decomposition and nutrient cycling.