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

Dictionary Entries Near saprophagous

saprophagan

saprophagous

saprophyte

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Saprophagous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saprophagous. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

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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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