au·to·troph (ô t -tr f , -tr f)n. An organism capable of synthesizing its own food from inorganic substances, using light or chemical energy. Green plants, algae, and certain bacteria are autotrophs. au to·trophic (-trf k, -trfk) adj.au to·trophi·cal·ly adv.au·tot ro·phy (ô-ttr-f ) n. |
| autotroph (ôt-trf) An organism that manufactures its own food from inorganic substances, such as carbon dioxide and ammonia. Most autotrophs, such as green plants, certain algae, and photosynthetic bacteria, use light for energy. Some autotrophs, such as chemosynthetic bacteria, obtain their energy from inorganic compounds such as hydrogen sulfide by combining them with oxygen. Compare heterotroph. autotrophic adjective (ô t-trfk, -trfk) |
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| Noun | 1. | autotroph - plant capable of synthesizing its own food from simple organic substances |
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