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

“Prototaxites: a 400 MYR old giant fossil, a saprophytic holobasidiomycete, or a lichen?”

From New York Times • Jun. 23, 2010

Nearly all bacteria, owing to the absence of chlorophyll, are saprophytic or parasitic forms.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 2 "Baconthorpe" to "Bankruptcy" by Various

The Perisporiaceae are saprophytic forms, the two chief genera being Aspergillus and Penicillium.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 3 "Frost" to "Fyzabad" by Various