oligotrophic

American  

[ol-i-goh-trof-ik, -troh-fik] / ˌɒl ɪ goʊˈtrɒf ɪk, -ˈtroʊ fɪk /

adjective

Ecology.

1. (of a lake) characterized by a low accumulation of dissolved nutrient salts, supporting but a sparse growth of algae and other organisms, and having a high oxygen content owing to the low organic content.

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oligotrophic British  

/ ˌɒlɪˈɡɒtrəfɪ, ˌɒlɪɡəʊˈtrɒfɪk /

adjective

1. (of lakes and similar habitats) poor in nutrients and plant life and rich in oxygen Compare eutrophic

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oligotrophic Scientific  

/ ŏl′ĭ-gō-trō′fĭk,-trŏf′ĭk,ō′lĭ- /

1. Lacking in plant nutrients such as phosphates, nitrates, and organic matter, and consequently having few plants and a large amount of dissolved oxygen throughout. Used of a lake, pond, or stream.

2. Compare dystrophic eutrophic

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Other Word Forms

• oligotrophy noun

Etymology

Origin of oligotrophic

First recorded in 1925–30; oligo- + trophic

Compare meaning

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

• oligotrophic vs. eutrophic