Dictionary

saprophytic

adjective sap·ro·phyt·ic \ˌsa-prə-ˈfi-tik\

Definition of SAPROPHYTIC

:  obtaining food by absorbing dissolved organic material; especially :  obtaining nourishment from the products of organic breakdown and decay <saprophytic fungi>
sap·ro·phyt·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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First Known Use of SAPROPHYTIC

1882
Medical Dictionary

saprophytic

adjective sap·ro·phyt·ic \ˌsap-rə-ˈfit-ik\

Medical Definition of SAPROPHYTIC

:  obtaining food by absorbing dissolved organic material; especially :  obtaining nourishment osmotically from the products of organic breakdown and decay <saprophytic fungi>
sap·ro·phyt·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)-lē\ adverb

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