Definition

Describing organisms that can make their own food using sunlight, similar to how green plants do, without needing to eat other organisms.

Example

Some algae are holophytic, as they produce their own food through photosynthesis.

Conversation

Did you know that some plants are holophytic?

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they can get their nutrients through photosynthesis without needing to eat anything.

That's fascinating! Nature has some incredible adaptations.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Holophytic → It is formed from "holo-" (from Greek "holos", meaning whole or entire) and "phyton" (from Greek "phyton", meaning plant). The word "holophytic" refers to organisms that are capable of photosynthesis and can produce their own food entirely, hence being whole or complete in their nutritional needs as plants.

Memory Tip

Think of 'whole' ('holo-') plants ('phyton') that can make their own food — that's what holophytic means.

Visually Confused Words