heterotroph

noun

het·​ero·​troph ˈhe-tə-rə-ˌtrōf How to pronounce heterotroph (audio)
-ˌträf
: a heterotrophic individual

Examples of heterotroph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In other words, to turn a heterotroph into an autotroph for the purpose of consuming CO2. — Alex Orlando, Discover Magazine, 27 Nov. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heterotroph was circa 1900

Rhymes for heterotroph

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heterotroph
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Cite this Entry

“Heterotroph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heterotroph. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

heterotroph

noun
het·​ero·​troph ˈhet-ə-rə-ˌtrōf How to pronounce heterotroph (audio)
-ˌträf
: an organism (as an insect, bird, fish, or human being) that cannot make its own food and must obtain it by eating other animals or plants
heterotrophic
ˌhet-ə-rə-ˈtrōf-ik
adjective

Medical Definition

heterotroph

noun
het·​ero·​troph ˈhet-ə-rə-ˌtrōf, -ˌträf How to pronounce heterotroph (audio)
: a heterotrophic individual

More from Merriam-Webster on heterotroph

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heterotroph

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