saprophagous

[sa-prof-uh-guhs]

adjective

Biology.

1. (of an organism) feeding on dead or decaying animal matter.

saprophagous

/ sæˈprɒfəɡəs /

adjective

1. (of certain animals) feeding on dead or decaying organic matter

Word History and Origins

Origin of saprophagous¹

First recorded in 1810–20; sapro- + -phagous

Example Sentences

Saprophagous, sap-rof′a-gus, adj. feeding on decaying matter.—n.

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Saproph′agan, one of the saprophagous beetles.

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Associated words: necrophagan, necrophagous, saprophagan, necrophilous, saprophagous, saprophytic, saprophyte. carry, v. convey, transport, bear, waft, portage; carry out, complete, effectuate, consummate, accomplish. carrying, n. transportation, conveyance, portage, transmission, conduction, delivery.

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