autotrophic
adjective
au·to·tro·phic
ˌȯ-tə-ˈtrō-fik 
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
Examples of autotrophic in a Sentence
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jeffrey Marlow, Discover Magazine, 4 Jan. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Autotrophic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autotrophic. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
autotrophic
adjective
au·to·tro·phic
ˌȯt-ə-ˈtrō-fik
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share