oligotrophic
(of a lake) characterized by a low accumulation of dissolved nutrient salts, supporting but a sparse growth of algae and other organisms, and having a high oxygen content owing to the low organic content.
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Origin of oligotrophic
1- Compare eutrophic (def. 2).
Words Nearby oligotrophic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for oligotrophic
/ (ˌɒlɪɡəʊˈtrɒfɪk) /
(of lakes and similar habitats) poor in nutrients and plant life and rich in oxygen: Compare eutrophic
Origin of oligotrophic
1Derived forms of oligotrophic
- oligotrophy (ˌɒlɪˈɡɒtrəfɪ), noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for oligotrophic
[ ŏl′ĭ-gō-trō′fĭk, -trŏf′ĭk, ō′lĭ- ]
Lacking in plant nutrients such as phosphates, nitrates, and organic matter, and consequently having few plants and a large amount of dissolved oxygen throughout. Used of a lake, pond, or stream. Compare dystrophic eutrophic.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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