-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Examples of autotroph in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Only those bacteria that had evolved into autotrophs survived.
—Robert F. Service, Science | AAAS, 27 Nov. 2019
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
probably from nominal use of German autotroph autotrophic
First Known Use
1938, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near autotroph
Cite this Entry
“Autotroph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autotroph. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
autotroph
noun
au·to·troph
ˈȯt-ə-ˌtrōf
-ˌträf
: an organism (as a plant) that can make its own food from substances that do not come from other living things
autotrophic
adjective
ˌȯt-ə-ˈtrō-fik
Medical Definition
autotroph
noun
au·to·troph
ˈȯt-ə-ˌtrōf
-ˌträf
: an autotrophic organism
More from Merriam-Webster on autotroph
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about autotroph
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share