thermophilic

[thur-muh-fil-ik]

adjective

1. growing best in a warm environment.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of thermophilic¹

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

Example Sentences

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.

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

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

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Based on research from Prof Carpenter-Boggs' team, the final process involves placing the body in a mix of wood chips and similar composting materials, allowing thermophilic - heat-loving - microbes and bacteria to get to work.

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Eventually, they get cool enough to support thermophilic and hyperthermophilic organisms - the same type of biota that live at volcanic hot springs.

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