oligotrophic

[ ol-i-goh-trof-ik, -troh-fik ]

adjective

, Ecology.

1. (of a lake) characterized by a low accumulation of dissolved nutrient salts, supporting but a sparse growth of algae and other organisms, and having a high oxygen content owing to the low organic content.

oligotrophic

/ ˌɒlɪɡəʊˈtrɒfɪk; ˌɒlɪˈɡɒtrəfɪ /

adjective

1. See eutrophic
   (of lakes and similar habitats) poor in nutrients and plant life and rich in oxygen Compare eutrophic

oligotrophic

/ ŏl′ĭ-gō-trō′fĭk,-trŏf′ĭk,ō′lĭ- /

1. Lacking in plant nutrients such as phosphates, nitrates, and organic matter, and consequently having few plants and a large amount of dissolved oxygen throughout. Used of a lake, pond, or stream.
2. Compare dystrophic

Derived Forms

• oligotrophy, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of oligotrophic¹

First recorded in 1925–30; oligo- + trophic

Word History and Origins

Origin of oligotrophic¹

C20: from oligo- + Greek trophein to nourish + -ic