saprophyte
noun
any organism that lives on dead organic matter, as certain fungi and bacteria.
saprophytic
-
a word derived from
saprophyte.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It belongs to the class of saprophytic fungi, which feed on dead wood, or other decaying matter, and are vital for life on earth.
From BBC ● Jan. 14, 2023
This may occur with plants that are parasitic or saprophytic.
From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015
In the second group the bacterial species live a saprophytic existence, growing in milk, as in any other nutrient medium, if it happens to find its way therein.
From Outlines of dairy bacteriology A concise manual for the use of students in dairying by Edwin George Hastings
That these later organisms are saprophytic, although not bacterial, there can be no doubt.
From Scientific American Supplement, No. 643, April 28, 1888 by Various
In the second group, the bacterial species lives a saprophytic existence, growing in milk, if it happens to find its way therein.
From Outlines of Dairy Bacteriology, 8th edition A Concise Manual for the Use of Students in Dairying by H. L. (Harry Luman) Russell
