Definition

A living thing that gets its food from dead or decaying plants and animals.

Example

Fungi are often considered saprobes because they feed on decomposing material.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a saprobe?

Yeah, they help break down dead plants and animals, right?

Exactly! It's amazing how a saprobe can recycle nutrients in nature.

Totally! Without them, the ecosystem would be in big trouble.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Saprobe** → It is formed from "sapro-" (from Greek "sapros", meaning rotten or decayed) and "-be" (from Greek "bios", meaning life). The word "saprobe" refers to an organism that lives on decaying organic matter, thus deriving its life from rotting substances.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sapros' meaning rotten, and remember that a 'saprobe' is an organism that thrives on decaying matter.

Visually Confused Words