autotrophic

au·to·tro·phic

adj \ˌȯ-tə-ˈtrō-fik\

Definition of AUTOTROPHIC

1

: requiring only carbon dioxide or carbonates as a source of carbon and a simple inorganic nitrogen compound for metabolic synthesis of organic molecules (as glucose) <autotrophic plants> — compare heterotrophic

2

: not requiring a specified exogenous factor for normal metabolism

— au·to·tro·phi·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— au·tot·ro·phy \ȯ-ˈtä-trə-fē\ noun

Origin of AUTOTROPHIC

probably from German autotroph, from Greek autotrophos supplying one's own food, from aut- + trephein to nourish

First Known Use: 1893