How Do You Spell METATROPHIC?

1. Metatrophic is an adjective that refers to a biological process or organism's ability to obtain nutrients from organic matter that had been previously generated or produced by other organisms. It is derived from the combination of the Greek words "meta," meaning beyond or after, and "trophe," meaning nourishment or food.

   In the context of ecology and nutrient cycling, the term metatrophic describes the ability of certain organisms, such as decomposers or scavengers, to thrive by feeding on dead organic material, such as decaying plants or animal remains. These organisms play a vital role in the ecosystem by breaking down complex organic compounds and recycling the valuable nutrients back into the environment, thus enabling the sustenance of other organisms further along the food chain.

   Metatrophism can also refer to a mode of nutrition in certain bacteria that obtain their energy by oxidizing inorganic compounds, such as iron or sulfur, while utilizing organic substances for carbon and other essential nutrients.

   In summary, the term metatrophic describes the ability of organisms to derive nourishment from pre-existing organic matter or substances that were generated by other living organisms, playing a crucial role in the ecological recycling of nutrients and energy.

2. Deriving sustenance from dead organic matter; same as saprophitic when applied to bacteria; see paratrophic, prototrophic.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for METATROPHIC

The word "metatrophic" is derived from two roots - "meta-" and "trophic".

1. "Meta-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "metá", which means "beyond" or "transcending". It is commonly used as a prefix to indicate a change, transformation, or transition from one state or condition to another.

2. "Trophic" comes from the Greek word "trophḗ", meaning "nourishment" or "food". It is related to the Greek verb "trephein", which means "to nourish" or "to feed". In biology, "trophic" is often used to describe processes related to nutrition, feeding, or energy flow within an ecosystem.