Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈheɪləˌfaɪl/
KK: /ˈhæləˌfaɪl/
Definition
A living thing that thrives in very salty places, such as salt lakes or salt mines.
Example
Halophiles can be found in environments like salt flats and saltwater lakes.
Conversation

Did you know there are organisms called halophiles that thrive in salty environments?

Really? That's fascinating! What do they look like?

They're usually pretty small, like certain types of bacteria.

Wow, nature is incredible! I didn't realize how many unique organisms exist.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
saltlover
salinophile
osmophile
Antonyms
freshwater
nonhalophile
terrestrial
Root Explanation
Halophile → It is formed from "halo-" (from Greek "halos", meaning salt) and "-phile" (from Greek "philos", meaning loving). The word describes an organism that loves or thrives in salty environments.
Memory Tip
Think of 'salt' ('halo-') and 'loving' ('-phile') to remember that a halophile is an organism that loves salt.
Visually Confused Words
italophile
haemophile
gallophile
anglophile
lyophile
typhlophile
thamnophile
palaeophile