saprophagous

[ sa-prof-uh-guhs ]

adjective

, Biology.

1. (of an organism) feeding on dead or decaying animal matter.

saprophagous

/ sæˈprɒfəɡəs /

adjective

1. (of certain animals) feeding on dead or decaying organic matter

Word History and Origins

Origin of saprophagous¹

First recorded in 1810–20; sapro- + -phagous

Example Sentences

Saprophagous, sap-rof′a-gus, adj. feeding on decaying matter.

From Project Gutenberg

Even many of the saprophagous insects will sip nectar from these flowers.

From Project Gutenberg

Generally speaking, the carnivorous insects, whether thalerophagous or saprophagous, are of this description.

From Project Gutenberg