eutrophic

American  

[yoo-trof-ik, -troh-fik] / yuˈtrɒf ɪk, -ˈtroʊ fɪk /

adjective

1. Medicine/Medical. relating to or being in a condition of eutrophy, or healthy or adequate nutrition or development.

2. Ecology. (of a lake) characterized by an abundant accumulation of nutrients that support a dense growth of algae and other organisms, the decay of which depletes the shallow waters of oxygen in summer.

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eutrophic British  

/ -ˈtrəʊ-, juːˈtrɒfɪk /

adjective

1. (of lakes and similar habitats) rich in organic and mineral nutrients and supporting an abundant plant life, which in the process of decaying depletes the oxygen supply for animal life Compare oligotrophic

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eutrophic Scientific  

/ yo̅o̅-trŏf′ĭk,-trō′fĭk /

1. Having waters rich in phosphates, nitrates, and organic nutrients that promote a proliferation of plant life, especially algae. Used of a lake, pond, or stream.

2. Compare dystrophic oligotrophic

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Other Word Forms

• eutrophication noun
• eutrophy noun

Etymology

Origin of eutrophic

First recorded in 1880–85; eutroph(y) + -ic

Compare meaning

How does eutrophic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• oligotrophic vs. eutrophic

Example Sentences

Because unrestored eutrophic lakes produce significant methane emissions, restoring lakes and recycling the sediments for agriculture could mean a net decrease in greenhouse gases reaching the atmosphere on an ecosystem scale, Kiani says.

From Science Magazine

But by the 1990s, the lake’s eutrophic conditions were leading to mass die-offs of fish and birds.

From Los Angeles Times

An excess of nutrients – known as eutrophic conditions – can cause massive algal blooms.

From Salon

Associated words: hygiene, Hygeia, hygienic, hygienics, eucrasy, sanitation, sanitarian, soteriology, eutrophic, hygienist, sanitary. healthful, a. healthy; salubrious, wholesome. healthy, a. hale, well, hearty; salubrious, salutary, wholesome.

From Project Gutenberg