auxotroph

[ awk-suh-trof, -trohf ]

noun

, Biology.

1. a mutant organism, especially a microorganism, that has a nutritional requirement not shared by the parent organism. Compare prototroph ( def 1 ).

auxotroph

/ ˈɔːksətrəʊf /

noun

1. a mutant strain of microorganism having nutritional requirements additional to those of the normal organism

Derived Forms

• ˌauxoˈtrophic, adjective

Other Words From

• auxo·trophic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of auxotroph¹

1950–55; back formation from auxotrophic; auxo-, trophic