sapro-

especially before a vowel, sapr-.

1. a combining form meaning “rotten,” used in the formation of compound words.

   saprogenic.

sapro-

combining form

1. indicating dead or decaying matter

   saprogenic

   saprolite

Word History and Origins

Origin of sapro-¹

< Greek, combining form of saprós

Word History and Origins

Origin of sapro-¹

from Greek sapros rotten

Example Sentences

Nancy Parrish, president of the advocacy group Protect Our Defenders, said Patton should take a hard-line approach to revamping the military's justice system instead of focusing on education programs that are SAPRO's hallmark.

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When To Use

What does sapro- mean?

Sapro- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “rotten.” It is used in some scientific terms, especially in biology.Sapro- comes from the Greek saprós, meaning “rotten, putrid.”What are variants of sapro-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, sapro- becomes sapr-, as in sapremia.