Advertisement
Advertisement
autotroph
[ aw-tuh-trof, -trohf ]
noun
, Biology.
- any organism capable of self-nourishment by using inorganic materials as a source of nutrients and using photosynthesis or chemosynthesis as a source of energy, as most plants and certain bacteria and protists.
autotroph
/ ô′tə-trŏf′ /
- An organism that manufactures its own food from inorganic substances, such as carbon dioxide and ammonia. Most autotrophs, such as green plants, certain algae, and photosynthetic bacteria, use light for energy. Some autotrophs, such as chemosynthetic bacteria, obtain their energy from inorganic compounds such as hydrogen sulfide by combining them with oxygen.
- Compare heterotroph
Discover More
Other Words From
- auto·trophic adjective
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of autotroph1
Advertisement
Word of the Day
[gal-uh-maw-free ]
Meaning and examplesStart each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!
By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse