saprophyte
[ sap-ruh-fahyt ]
/ ˈsæp rəˌfaɪt /
noun
any organism that lives on dead organic matter, as certain fungi and bacteria.
Nearby words
Also called saprobe.
Related formssap·ro·phyt·ic [sap-ruh-fit-ik] /ˌsæp rəˈfɪt ɪk/, adjectivesap·ro·phyt·i·cal·ly, adverb
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for saprophyte
saprophyte
/ (ˈsæprəʊˌfaɪt) /
noun
any plant that lives and feeds on dead organic matter using mycorrhizal fungi associated with its roots; a saprotrophic plant
Derived Formssaprophytic (ˌsæprəʊˈfɪtɪk), adjectivesaprophytically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for saprophyte
saprophyte
"bacteria or fungus that grows on decaying organic matter," 1867, from French, from Greek sapros "putrid" + phyton "plant" (see phyto-). Related: Saprophytism.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for saprophyte
saprophyte
[ săp′rə-fīt′ ]
n.
An organism, especially a fungus or bacterium, that grows on and derives its nourishment from dead or decaying organic matter.
Related formssap′ro•phyt′ic (-fĭt′ĭk) adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for saprophyte
saprophyte
[ săp′rə-fīt′ ]
An organism, especially a fungus or bacterium, that lives on and gets its nourishment from dead organisms or decaying organic material. Saprophytes recycle organic material in the soil, breaking it down into in simpler compounds that can be taken up by other organisms.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.