saprotroph
noun
any organism, esp a fungus or bacterium, that lives and feeds on dead organic matter
saprotrophic
-
a word derived from
saprotroph.
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.
In most circumstances, A. oligospora is saprotrophic, meaning it consumes decaying organic matter like dead leaves.
From National Geographic ● Dec. 12, 2023
By looking at carbon isotopes in Mycena, the researchers were able to conclude that these fungi are saprotrophic decomposers, as well as mutualistic.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 23, 2023
