-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
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.
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 30 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share