saprobiont

/ˌsæprəˈbaɪɒnt/

Definitions

1. noun

An organism that obtains its nutrients by decomposing and absorbing the organic matter produced by other organisms.

“The fungi in the forest are saprobes and saprobionts, breaking down dead trees and recycling nutrients.”

Synonyms

  • saprobes
  • saprotrophs

Antonyms

  • autotrophs