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. |
heterotrophic [ˌhɛtərəʊˈtrɒfɪk]
adj
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) (of organisms, such as animals) obtaining carbon for growth and energy from complex organic compounds Compare autotrophic
[from hetero- + Greek trophikos concerning food, from trophē nourishment]
heterotroph n
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Adj. | 1. | heterotrophic - requiring organic compounds of carbon and nitrogen for nourishment; "most animals are heterotrophic" autophytic, autotrophic - of or relating to organisms (as green plants) that can make complex organic nutritive compounds from simple inorganic sources by photosynthesis |
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