Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It belongs to the class of saprophytic fungi, which feed on dead wood, or other decaying matter, and are vital for life on earth.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2023

This may occur with plants that are parasitic or saprophytic.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

“Prototaxites: a 400 MYR old giant fossil, a saprophytic holobasidiomycete, or a lichen?”

From New York Times • Jun. 23, 2010

In the second group, the bacterial species lives a saprophytic existence, growing in milk, if it happens to find its way therein.

From Outlines of Dairy Bacteriology, 8th edition A Concise Manual for the Use of Students in Dairying by Russell, H. L. (Harry Luman)

Bacteria may further be divided into those which are saprophytic or which find favorable conditions for life outside of the body, and the parasitic.

From Disease and Its Causes by Councilman, William Thomas