Definition

Describing organisms that grow well in cold environments or at low temperatures.

Example

Psychrophilic bacteria can be found in icy waters and glaciers.

Conversation

Did you know that some bacteria are psychrophilic?

Really? I didn't know there were organisms that thrived in cold temperatures.

Yeah, they can survive and even grow in icy conditions!

That's fascinating! Nature is full of surprises.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Psychrophilic → It is formed from "psycho-" (from Greek "psukhē", meaning mind or spirit) and "philic" (from Greek "philia", meaning love or affinity). The word describes organisms that have an affinity for cold environments.

Memory Tip

Think of 'psycho-' relating to the mind and 'philic' meaning love — psychrophilic organisms love cold temperatures.

Visually Confused Words