Definitions for "Saprobe"
any microorganism capable of obtaining nutrients from dead or non-living organic matter.
Organisms that feed on dead or dying organic matter, plant or animal; saprobic is the lifestyle of feeding in such a manner.
Gr. sapros: rotten + bios: life] • An organism (usually a bacterium or fungus) that obtains its carbon and energy directly from dead organic matter.
Singleton, P., and Sainsbury, D. 1987. Dictionary of Microbiology and Molecular Biology. 2nd Edition. J. Wiley and Sons.