chemotroph

[ kee-muh-trof, -trawf, -trohf, kem-uh- ]

noun

, Bacteriology, Biology.

1. any organism that oxidizes inorganic or organic compounds as its principal energy source.

chemotroph

/ kē′mō-trŏf′ /

1. An organism that manufactures its own food through chemosynthesis (the oxidation of inorganic chemical compounds) as opposed to photosynthesis. The sulfur-oxidizing bacteria found at deep-sea hydrothermal vents and nitrifying bacteria in the soil are chemotrophs.
2. Also called chemoautotroph
3. Compare phototroph

Other Words From

• che·mo·troph·ic [kee-m, uh, -, trof, -ik, -, troh, -fik, kem-, uh, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chemotroph¹

chemo- + -troph < Greek trophḗ food