chemotroph

/kɛməˈtrɔf, ˌkɛmoʊˈtrɔf/

Definitions

1. noun

an organism that obtains energy from chemical compounds and does not require light, such as certain bacteria.

“The chemotroph thrived in the dark depths of the ocean by breaking down hydrogen sulfide.”

2. noun

an organism that obtains energy from chemical compounds in the absence of light, especially certain types of bacteria.

“Chemotrophs have evolved to live in environments devoid of sunlight.”

Synonyms

  • chemoautotroph
  • chemosynthetic organism

Antonyms

  • photoautotroph
  • photosynthetic organism