Dictionary:

saprophyte

  (săp'rə-fīt')

An organism, especially a fungus or bacterium, that grows on and derives its nourishment from dead or decaying organic matter.

An organism that lives on dead organic matter.

An organism which feeds on dead plant or animal material. Most saprophytes are fungi or bacteria. They are important in nutrient cycles as they bring about decay and liberate nutrients for plant growth.

Any organism, such as a bacterium, capable of living in inanimate media.

A plant, such as a fungus, that feeds on dead or decaying organic matter. Saprophytes have no chlorophyll.