autotrophic

/ ˈɔːtətrəʊf; ˌɔːtəˈtrɒfɪk /

adjective

1. See heterotrophic
   (of organisms such as green plants) capable of manufacturing complex organic nutritive compounds from simple inorganic sources such as carbon dioxide, water, and nitrates, using energy from the sun Compare heterotrophic

Derived Forms

• autotroph, noun

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

But the general significance of the term "autotrophic plants" is apparent.

From Project Gutenberg