autotrophic

adjective

UK/ˌɔːtːəʊˈtrəʊfɪk/
US/ˌɑː.toʊˈtroʊ.fɪk/

Definitions of autotrophic adjective

  1. describes an organism that produces its own nutritional substances from simple inorganic molecules, such as carbon dioxide.

    • Certain bacteria are autotrophic, capable of generating energy without sunlight.

    • Cyanobacteria are autotrophic organisms crucial for aquatic ecosystems.

    • Plants are primary autotrophs, synthesizing energy through photosynthesis.