Definition

Describing organisms that obtain their food by breaking down and absorbing nutrients from dead or decaying matter.

Example

Mushrooms are saprophytic fungi that help decompose organic material in the forest.

Conversation

Did you know that some fungi are saprophytic?

Really? I thought they only grew on living things.

Nope! They actually get their nutrients from decaying matter.

That's fascinating! Nature is so cool in how it recycles everything.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Saprophytic → It is formed from "sapro-" (from Greek "sapros", meaning rotten or decayed) and "phyte" (from Greek "phyton", meaning plant). The word "saprophytic" refers to organisms that obtain nutrients from decaying organic matter, essentially meaning they are plants that thrive on decay.

Memory Tip

Think of 'rotten' ('sapro-') and 'plant' ('phyte') to remember that 'saprophytic' describes plants that live on decaying matter.

Visually Confused Words