Examples of saprophyte in a Sentence
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Superficially, cancer root appears like Indian pipe, a woodland dwelling saprophyte, a plant that feeds on decomposing plant matter.
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New York Times, 13 June 2018
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New York Times, 13 June 2018
Cite this Entry
“Saprophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saprophyte. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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