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cryophilic

adjective

cryo·​phil·​ic ˌkrī-ə-ˈfi-lik How to pronounce cryophilic (audio)
: thriving at low temperatures

Word History

Etymology

cryo- + -philic (after German kryophil)

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cryophilic was in 1916

Rhymes for cryophilic

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Browse Nearby Words

cryophile
cryophilic
cryophoric
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Cite this Entry

“Cryophilic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cryophilic. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.

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Medical Definition

cryophilic

adjective
cryo·​phil·​ic ˌkrī-ə-ˈfil-ik How to pronounce cryophilic (audio)
: thriving at low temperatures
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