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autotrophic


au·to·tro·phic

adj \ˌ-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 \-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

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