oligotrophic

[ ol-i-goh-trof-ik, -troh-fik ]
/ ˌɒl ɪ goʊˈtrɒf ɪk, -ˈtroʊ fɪk /

adjective Ecology.

(of a lake) characterized by a low accumulation of dissolved nutrient salts, supporting but a sparse growth of algae and other organisms, and having a high oxygen content owing to the low organic content.
Compare eutrophic(def 2).

Origin of oligotrophic

First recorded in 1925–30; oligo- + trophic

Words nearby oligotrophic

oligoria, oligosaccharide, oligospermia, oligosynaptic, oligotrophia, oligotrophic, oligotrophy, oligozoospermia, oliguria, olin, olinda

British Dictionary definitions for oligotrophic

oligotrophic
/ (ˌɒlɪɡəʊˈtrɒfɪk) /

adjective

(of lakes and similar habitats) poor in nutrients and plant life and rich in oxygen Compare eutrophic

Derived forms of oligotrophic

oligotrophy (ˌɒlɪˈɡɒtrəfɪ), noun

Word Origin for oligotrophic

C20: from oligo- + Greek trophein to nourish + -ic

Scientific definitions for oligotrophic

oligotrophic
[ ŏl′ĭ-gō-trō′fĭk, -trŏf′ĭk, ō′lĭ- ]

Lacking in plant nutrients such as phosphates, nitrates, and organic matter, and consequently having few plants and a large amount of dissolved oxygen throughout. Used of a lake, pond, or stream. Compare dystrophic eutrophic.