word-forming element in science indicating "rotten, putrid, decaying," from Greek sapros "rotting, rotten, rancid," also, of wine, "matured," which is related to sēpein "to rot," a word of unknown origin.
Entries linking to sapro-
saprophagous adj.
"feeding on putrid matter," 1819, Modern Latin; see sapro- + -phagous.
saprophyte n.
"bacteria or fungus that grows on decaying organic matter," 1867, from French, from Greek sapros "putrid, rotten" (see sapro-) + phyton "plant" (see -phyte). Related: Saprophytism.
saprostomous adj.
"having foul breath," 1889; from Greek sapros "putrid" (see sapro-) + stoma "orifice" (see stoma).