thermophilic

[ thur-muh-fil-ik ]

adjective

1. growing best in a warm environment.
2. (of bacteria) growing best at temperatures between 50° and 60°C.

Word History and Origins

Origin of thermophilic¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; thermo- + -philic

Example Sentences

To try to get rid of the waste the booms and mats collected, the team subjected them to two composting methods: worms and thermophilic fungi, or heat-loving bacteria and fungi that can kill pathogens by generating high temperatures.

From Los Angeles Times

The bacteria that make the thickest, creamiest yogurt happen are thermophilic, meaning they need elevated temperatures to do their magic.

From Washington Post

Oxygen is pumped in to increase thermophilic, or heat-loving, microbial activity.

From The New Yorker

Based on research from Prof Carpenter-Boggs' team, the final process involves placing the body in a mix of wood chips and similar composting materials, allowing thermophilic - heat-loving - microbes and bacteria to get to work.

From BBC

Eventually, they get cool enough to support thermophilic and hyperthermophilic organisms - the same type of biota that live at volcanic hot springs.

From BBC