Definition

The process by which certain organisms create their own food using inorganic materials and energy from light or heat.

Example

Plants use autotrophy to produce their own food through photosynthesis.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of autotrophy in plants?

Yeah, it's pretty fascinating how they make their own food.

Exactly! I read that they use sunlight for this process.

It's amazing how nature works, isn't it?

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Autotrophy is formed from "auto-" (meaning self) and "trophy" (from Greek "trophē", meaning nourishment or feeding). The word describes the process by which an organism produces its own food, essentially feeding itself.

Memory Tip

Think of 'self' ('auto-') providing its own 'nourishment' ('trophy') — that's how autotrophy means self-feeding.

Visually Confused Words