het·er·o·troph (h t  r--tr f , -tr f)n. An organism that cannot synthesize its own food and is dependent on complex organic substances for nutrition. [hetero- + Greek trophos, feeder; see -trophy.] het er·o·trophic (htr--trf k, -trf-) adj.het er·o·trophi·cal·ly adv.het er·otro·phy (--rtr-f ) n. |
| heterotroph (htr--trf) An organism that cannot manufacture its own food and instead obtains its food and energy by taking in organic substances, usually plant or animal matter. All animals, protozoans, fungi, and most bacteria are heterotrophs. Compare autotroph. heterotrophic adjective (h tr--trfk) |
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