saprophagous

adjective

sa·proph·a·gous sa-ˈprä-fə-gəs

: feeding on decaying matter

Word History

Etymology

New Latin saprophagus, from sapr- + -phagus -phagous

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of saprophagous was in 1819

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Browse Nearby Words

saprophagan

saprophagous

saprophyte

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Saprophagous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saprophagous. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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Medical Definition

saprophagous

adjective

sa·proph·a·gous sa-ˈpräf-ə-gəs

: feeding on decaying matter

saprophagous insects

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