Definitions

1. noun

a person who has a fondness for decaying matter, especially in the form of fungi or insects

“The eccentric collector was known to be a saprophile, fascinated by the unique organisms that thrived in the abandoned garden.”

2. noun

an organism that obtains its nutrients from dead and decaying organic matter, such as fungi and some bacteria

“The saprophile fungi broke down the dead leaves into nutrient-rich soil, supporting the local ecosystem.”