saprophyte

noun

sap·​ro·​phyte ˈsa-prə-ˌfīt How to pronounce saprophyte (audio)
: a saprophytic organism

Examples of saprophyte in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Superficially, cancer root appears like Indian pipe, a woodland dwelling saprophyte, a plant that feeds on decomposing plant matter. New York Times, 13 June 2018

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of saprophyte was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near saprophyte

Cite this Entry

“Saprophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saprophyte. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

saprophyte

noun
sap·​ro·​phyte ˈsap-rə-ˌfīt How to pronounce saprophyte (audio)
: a living thing (as a fungus) that lives on the dead or decaying material of plants and animals
saprophytic
ˌsap-rə-ˈfit-ik
adjective

Medical Definition

saprophyte

noun
sap·​ro·​phyte ˈsap-rə-ˌfīt How to pronounce saprophyte (audio)
: a saprophytic organism
especially : a plant living on dead or decaying organic matter

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