autotroph

/ɔːtəˈtrɒf/

Definitions

1. noun

An organism that produces its own food, typically through photosynthesis, using energy from light or chemical reactions.

“Plants are autotrophs that convert sunlight into glucose.”

2. noun

An organism that synthesizes its own nutrients from inorganic substances.

“Some types of bacteria are autotrophs that thrive in environments without sunlight.”

Synonyms

  • chemosynthetic organism
  • self-feeder

Antonyms

  • consumer
  • heterotroph