autophytic
|au-to-phy-tic|
/ˌɔːtəˈfɪtɪk/
self-nourishing
Etymology
'autophytic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'autophytos', where 'auto-' meant 'self' and 'phyton' meant 'plant'.
'autophytos' passed into New/Scientific Latin (as 'autophytus'/'autophyte'), and English adopted the noun 'autophyte' and the adjective 'autophytic'.
Initially, it meant 'self-plant' (a plant that is self-sustaining), and over time it evolved into the broader modern meaning 'relating to organisms capable of synthesizing their own food (self-nourishing)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of organisms (especially plants or algae) that produce their own food from inorganic substances; self-nourishing (autotrophic).
Many freshwater algae are autophytic, synthesizing organic matter through photosynthesis.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/27 16:14