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oligotrophic
[ ol-i-goh-trof-ik, -troh-fik ]
adjective
, Ecology.
- (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.
oligotrophic
/ ˌɒlɪˈɡɒtrəfɪ; ˌɒlɪɡəʊˈtrɒfɪk /
adjective
- (of lakes and similar habitats) poor in nutrients and plant life and rich in oxygen Compare eutrophic
oligotrophic
/ ŏl′ĭ-gō-trō′fĭk,-trŏf′ĭk,ō′lĭ- /
- 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.
- Compare dystrophic
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Derived Forms
- oligotrophy, noun
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Word History and Origins
Origin of oligotrophic1
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Word History and Origins
Origin of oligotrophic1
C20: from oligo- + Greek trophein to nourish + -ic
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