Definitions

1. adjective

relating to or characteristic of an organism that obtains its nutrients from outside its body, often by consuming other organisms or plants

“Some species of fungi are exophagous, using their long, branching hyphae to absorb nutrients from their surroundings.”

2. noun

an organism that obtains its nutrients from outside its body, often by consuming other organisms or plants

“The exophagous bacteria in the soil helped break down the organic matter and recycle nutrients.”