Definition

A living thing that can make its own food from non-living materials, using energy from sunlight or chemicals. Examples include green plants and some bacteria.

Example

Green plants are autotrophs because they can produce their own food through photosynthesis.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of an autotroph?

Yeah, I think it's a type of organism that makes its own food.

Exactly! Like plants and some bacteria are considered autotrophs.

That's pretty cool! I love how nature works.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Autotroph is formed from "auto-" (meaning self) and "trophē" (from Greek, meaning nourishment or food). The word describes an organism that can produce its own food, thus nourishing itself.

Memory Tip

Think of 'self' ('auto-') providing its own 'nourishment' ('trophē') — that's why autotroph means an organism that feeds itself.

Visually Confused Words