Definition of: scavenge

(skav′inj) v. ·enged, ·eng·ing v.t.
1. To remove filth, rubbish, and refuse from, as streets.
2. To remove exhaust gases from (the cylinder of an internal–combustion engine).
3. Metall. To remove impurities from (a metal or alloy).
—v.i.
4. To act as a scavenger.
5. To search for food. [Back formation <SCAVENGER]