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thermophile

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈθɜːrməfaɪl/

KK: /ˈθɜrməˌfaɪl/

noun
Definition

A type of organism that grows well in high temperatures, often found in extreme environments.


Example

Thermophiles are used in biotechnology because they can survive and function at temperatures that would kill most other organisms.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you know there are organisms called thermophiles that thrive in hot environments?
Sloth B
Really? That sounds fascinating! Where do they typically live?
Sloth A
They can be found in places like hot springs and deep-sea vents.
Sloth B
Wow, nature is incredible! I had no idea about thermophiles.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
extremophile
microbe
bacterium
Antonyms
psychrophile
mesophile
cold
Root Explanation

Thermophile is formed from "thermo-" (from Greek "thermos", meaning hot) and "-phile" (from Greek "philos", meaning loving). The word describes an organism that loves or thrives in hot environments.

Memory Tip

Think of 'thermo-' meaning hot and '-phile' meaning loving — a thermophile is an organism that loves hot conditions.

Visually Confused Words
theophile
herophile
hemophile
theatrophile
termitophile
haemophile
thamnophile
spermophile
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