saprophyte

saprophyte Definition

sap·ro·phyte (sap′rə fīt′)

noun

any organism that lives on dead or decaying organic matter, as some fungi and bacteria

Etymology: sapro- + -phyte

saprophyte Related Forms

sap′·ro·phyt′ic (-fit′ik) adjective

saprophyte Usage Examples

Converse of object

assist: They also assist saprophytes by excreting useful minerals such as urea, and by aerating the soil.
call: Fungus Nutrition The first method of obtaining food is called ' saprophytic ' and the fungi that use this method are called saprophytes ' .

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