eutrophic

[ yoo-trof-ik, -troh-fik ]

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. Compare oligotrophic.

eutrophic

/ -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

eutrophic

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈeutrophy, noun

Other Words From

• eu·trophi·cation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of eutrophic¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of eutrophic¹

C18: probably from eutrophy, from Greek eutrophia sound nutrition, from eutrophos well-fed, from eu- + trephein to nourish