First Known Use: 1893
Dictionary
autotrophic
adjective au·to·tro·phic \ˌȯ-tə-ˈtrō-fik\
Definition of AUTOTROPHIC
1
: requiring only carbon dioxide or carbonates as a source of carbon and a simple inorganic nitrogen compound for metabolic synthesis of organic molecules (as glucose) <autotrophic plants> — compare heterotrophic
2
: not requiring a specified exogenous factor for normal metabolism
— au·to·tro·phi·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
— au·tot·ro·phy \ȯ-ˈtä-trə-fē\ noun
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Origin of AUTOTROPHIC
probably from German autotroph, from Greek autotrophos supplying one's own food, from aut- + trephein to nourish
Medical Dictionary
autotrophic
adjective au·to·tro·phic \ˌȯt-ə-ˈtrō-fik\
Medical Definition of AUTOTROPHIC
1
: needing only carbon dioxide or carbonates as a source of carbon and a simple inorganic nitrogen compound for metabolic synthesis
2
: not requiring a specified exogenous factor for normal metabolism
—au·to·tro·phi·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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