autotrophic

adjective

au·​to·​tro·​phic ˌȯ-tə-ˈtrō-fik How to pronounce autotrophic (audio)
1
: requiring only carbon dioxide or carbonates as a source of carbon and a simple inorganic nitrogen compound for metabolic synthesis of organic molecules (such as glucose)
autotrophic plants
compare heterotrophic
2
: not requiring a specified exogenous factor for normal metabolism
autotrophically adverb
autotrophy noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Hessen points to a few findings that support the idea of autotrophic, phosphorous-limited organisms re-allocating their resources to RNA in order to bolster growth. Jeffrey Marlow, Discover Magazine, 4 Jan. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'autotrophic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of autotrophic was in 1893

Dictionary Entries Near autotrophic

Cite this Entry

“Autotrophic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autotrophic. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

autotrophic

adjective
au·​to·​tro·​phic ˌȯt-ə-ˈtrō-fik How to pronounce autotrophic (audio)
1
: needing only carbon dioxide or carbonates as a source of carbon and a simple inorganic nitrogen compound for metabolic synthesis
2
: not requiring a specified exogenous factor for normal metabolism
autotrophically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on autotrophic

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