hyperthermophile

noun

hy·​per·​ther·​mo·​phile ˌhī-pər-ˈthər-mə-ˌfī(-ə)l How to pronounce hyperthermophile (audio)
: an organism that lives in extremely hot environments (such as hot springs) with temperatures around the boiling point of water
hyperthermophilic adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Here’s a bacterium whose genetic material includes genes from a diverse bestiary: Icelandic hyperthermophiles, petunias, yeast, perhaps a bit of bioluminescent jellyfish. Sophia Roosth, Slate Magazine, 25 Apr. 2017

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

Word History

First Known Use

1988, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyperthermophile was in 1988

Dictionary Entries Near hyperthermophile

Cite this Entry

“Hyperthermophile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperthermophile. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

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