saprophyte
pronunciation
How to pronounce saprophyte in British English:
UK ['sæprəʊfaɪt]
How to pronounce saprophyte in American English:
US ['sæproʊˌfaɪt]
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- Noun:
- an organism that feeds on dead organic matter especially a fungus or bacterium
Word Origin
- saprophyte (n.)
- "bacteria or fungus that grows on decaying organic matter," 1867, from French, from Greek sapros "putrid" + phyton "plant" (see phyto-). Related: Saprophytism.
Example
- 1. A facultative parasite can exist as a parasite or a saprophyte .
- 2. A plant , such as a parasite or saprophyte , that obtains its nourishment from other living or dead organisms .