saprophagous

adjective

sa·​proph·​a·​gous sa-ˈprä-fə-gəs How to pronounce saprophagous (audio)
: 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

Rhymes for saprophagous

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Browse Nearby Words

saprophagan
saprophagous
saprophyte
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Cite this Entry

“Saprophagous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saprophagous. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

saprophagous

adjective
sa·​proph·​a·​gous sa-ˈpräf-ə-gəs How to pronounce saprophagous (audio)
: feeding on decaying matter
saprophagous insects
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