Saprophytic

Pronunciation: /sæprəˈfɪtɪk/

Definitions of saprophytic

adjective describing an organism, especially a fungus or bacterium, that feeds on dead or decaying organic matter

Example Sentences

A1 Some mushrooms are saprophytic and feed on decaying matter.

A2 Fungi play an important role in the ecosystem as saprophytic organisms.

B1 Certain bacteria are saprophytic, obtaining nutrients from dead organic matter.

B2 Saprophytic plants help break down organic material in the soil.

C1 The saprophytic lifestyle allows certain organisms to thrive in nutrient-rich environments.

C2 Researchers study the mechanisms by which saprophytic organisms decompose organic matter.

Examples of saprophytic in a Sentence

formal Saprophytic organisms obtain nutrients from dead organic matter.

informal Some mushrooms are saprophytic and grow on decaying wood.

slang Those fungi are like the garbage collectors of the forest, they're saprophytic.

figurative His saprophytic behavior towards others drained the life out of the room.

Grammatical Forms of saprophytic

• past tense: saprophytized
• plural: saprophytics
• comparative: more saprophytic
• superlative: most saprophytic
• present tense: saprophytizes
• future tense: will saprophytize
• perfect tense: has saprophytized
• continuous tense: is saprophytizing
• singular: saprophytic
• positive degree: saprophytic
• infinitive: to saprophytize
• gerund: saprophytizing
• participle: saprophytized

Origin and Evolution of saprophytic

First Known Use: 1875 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'saprophytic' originated from the combination of the Greek roots 'sapro-' meaning 'rotten' or 'putrid' and '-phytic' meaning 'plant'

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the context of plants that obtain nutrients from decaying organic matter, the term 'saprophytic' has evolved to also describe organisms that feed on dead or decaying organic matter in general, including fungi and some bacteria.