heterotrophic

[ het-er-uh-trof-ik, -troh-fik ]
/ ˌhɛt ər əˈtrɒf ɪk, -ˈtroʊ fɪk /

adjective Biology.

capable of utilizing only organic materials as a source of food.

Origin of heterotrophic

First recorded in 1890–95; hetero- + -trophic

Words nearby heterotrophic

heterotransplant, heterotransplantation, heterotrich, heterotrichosis, heterotroph, heterotrophic, heterotropia, heterotypic, heterotypic cortex, heterotypical chromosome, heteroxanthine

Example sentences from the Web for heterotrophic

  • Should the compound be inorganic, the term autotrophic is applied to the organism and heterotrophic if the compound is organic.

    The Fundamentals of Bacteriology |Charles Bradfield Morrey

British Dictionary definitions for heterotrophic

heterotrophic
/ (ˌhɛtərəʊˈtrɒfɪk) /

adjective

(of organisms, such as animals) obtaining carbon for growth and energy from complex organic compounds Compare autotrophic

Derived forms of heterotrophic

heterotroph, noun

Word Origin for heterotrophic

C20: from hetero- + Greek trophikos concerning food, from trophē nourishment

Scientific definitions for heterotrophic

heterotroph
[ hĕt′ər-ə-trŏf′ ]

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.

Other words from heterotroph

heterotrophic adjective (hĕt′ər-ə-trŏf′ĭk)