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Examples of saprophyte in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary
First Known Use
1870, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near saprophyte
Cite this Entry
“Saprophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saprophyte. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
saprophyte
noun
sap·ro·phyte
ˈsap-rə-ˌfīt
: a living thing (as a fungus) that lives on the dead or decaying material of plants and animals
saprophytic
adjective
ˌsap-rə-ˈfit-ik
Medical Definition
saprophyte
noun
sap·ro·phyte
ˈsap-rə-ˌfīt
: a saprophytic organism
especially
: a plant living on dead or decaying organic matter
More from Merriam-Webster on saprophyte
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about saprophyte
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