autotroph — an organism that produces its own food from inorganic substances, typically through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an organism that produces its own food from inorganic substances, typically through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɔːtoʊtroʊf/
Example Sentences
- Unlike humans who need to eat other organisms, plants are autotrophs that make their own lunch from sunlight!
- Algae are important autotrophs in aquatic ecosystems, forming the base of food webs.
- Scientists study autotrophs to understand how life can sustain itself without external food sources.
autotroph
NOUN[/ˈɔːtoʊtroʊf/]
an organism that produces its own food from inorganic substances, typically through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis
an organism that produces its own food from inorganic substances, typically through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis
The philosopher marvels at the autotroph's wisdom!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Greek, combining 'auto' (self) and 'trophe' (nourishment). The term denotes an organism capable of producing its own food through inorganic substances, synthesizing organic compounds from carbon dioxide and water.
Breakdown
auto- (self) + -troph (nourishment, feeding) from Greek autos (self) and trophe (to feed, nourishment).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Unlike humans who need to eat other organisms, plants are autotrophs that make their own lunch from sunlight!”
“Algae are important autotrophs in aquatic ecosystems, forming the base of food webs.”
“Scientists study autotrophs to understand how life can sustain itself without external food sources.”
“If humans were autotrophs, we could just sunbathe instead of grocery shopping!”
📚Related Words
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