thermophilic

American  

[thur-muh-fil-ik] / ˌθɜr məˈfɪl ɪk /

adjective

1. growing best in a warm environment.

2. (of bacteria) growing best at temperatures between 50° and 60°C.

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Etymology

Origin of thermophilic

First recorded in 1895–1900; thermo- + -philic

Example Sentences

In a new study, researchers led by Professor Hakuto Kageyama of Meijo University and Professor Rungaroon Waditee-Sirisattha of Chulalongkorn University identified a novel MAA produced by thermophilic cyanobacteria living in hot springs in Thailand.

From Science Daily

This unique MAA appears to play an important role in helping Gloeocapsa species tolerate environmental stress and likely serves several functions within these thermophilic cyanobacteria.

From Science Daily

To try to get rid of the waste the booms and mats collected, the team subjected them to two composting methods: worms and thermophilic fungi, or heat-loving bacteria and fungi that can kill pathogens by generating high temperatures.

From Los Angeles Times

The bacteria that make the thickest, creamiest yogurt happen are thermophilic, meaning they need elevated temperatures to do their magic.

From Washington Post

Oxygen is pumped in to increase thermophilic, or heat-loving, microbial activity.

From The New Yorker