autotroph

[ aw-tuh-trof, -trohf ]

/ ˈɔ təˌtrɒf, -ˌtroʊf /

Save This Word!

noun Biology.

any organism capable of self-nourishment by using inorganic materials as a source of nutrients and using photosynthesis or chemosynthesis as a source of energy, as most plants and certain bacteria and protists.

COMPARE MEANINGS

Click for a side-by-side comparison of meanings. Use the word comparison feature to learn the differences between similar and commonly confused words.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Compare heterotroph.

Origin of autotroph

1935–40; back formation from autotrophic;see auto-¹, trophic

OTHER WORDS FROM autotroph

au·to·troph·ic, adjective

Words nearby autotroph

autotoxicosis, autotoxin, autotransformer, autotransfusion, autotransplant, autotroph, autotrophic, autotruck, Auto-Tune, autotype, autowinder

Scientific definitions for autotroph

autotroph

[ ô′tə-trŏf′ ]

An organism that manufactures its own food from inorganic substances, such as carbon dioxide and ammonia. Most autotrophs, such as green plants, certain algae, and photosynthetic bacteria, use light for energy. Some autotrophs, such as chemosynthetic bacteria, obtain their energy from inorganic compounds such as hydrogen sulfide by combining them with oxygen. Compare heterotroph.

Other words from autotroph

autotrophic adjective (ô′tə-trŏf′ĭk, -trō′fĭk)