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gnotobiotic

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //ˌnəʊtəʊbaɪˈɒtɪk//

KK: /nəʊtəˈbaɪətɪk/

adjective
Definition

Relating to a controlled environment that contains specific types of organisms, often used in scientific research.


Example

The researchers used gnotobiotic animals to study the effects of certain bacteria on health.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you heard about the new lab they're opening at the university?
Sloth B
Yeah, I read it's going to focus on gnotobiotic research.
Sloth A
Exactly! They want to study how different organisms interact in a controlled environment.
Sloth B
That sounds fascinating! I can't wait to see what discoveries they make.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
controlled
sterile
isolated
Antonyms
chaotic
mixed
uncontrolled
Root Explanation

Gnotobiotic → It is formed from "gnotos" (from Greek, meaning known) and "bios" (from Greek, meaning life). The term refers to a life form that is known or controlled in terms of its microbial environment, specifically organisms that are raised in a germ-free or controlled microbial environment.

Memory Tip

Think of 'known' ('gnotos') life ('bios') to remember that 'gnotobiotic' refers to organisms whose microbial environment is known or controlled.

Visually Confused Words
photobiotic
nonphotobiotic
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