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autophytic plant

autophytic plant

8.1
A plant that makes its own food from sunlight, water, and air
  • noun
  • /ˌɔːtəˈfaɪtɪk plænt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : planta autofítica
  • Most green plants are classified as autophytic plants because of their ability to photosynthesize.

Examples

  • An autophytic plant creates energy by converting sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into sugars.

  • Unlike parasitic flora, the autophytic plant does not depend on other organisms for nutrition.

  • An autophytic plant can thrive in harsh conditions.

  • Many autophytic plants are found in deserts.

  • Most green plants are classified as autophytic plants because of their ability to photosynthesize.

  • An autophytic plant creates energy by converting sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into sugars.

  • Unlike parasitic flora, the autophytic plant does not depend on other organisms for nutrition.

Synonyms

autotroph
vsautophytic plant
  • Specialized
2 9.3

A living thing that makes its own food from sunlight or chemicals

is restricted to green photosynthetic members and excludes chemosynthesis cases
autotrophic organism
vsautophytic plant
  • Specialized
1 7.4

A living thing that makes its own food from sunlight or chemicals, like plants

is specific to green photosynthetic life rather than all self-feeding life
autophyte
vsautophytic plant
  • Specialized
9.9

A plant that makes its own food using sunlight and air

is the same meaning but appears as a phrase rather than a single word
holophyte
vsautophytic plant
  • Specialized
9.9

A living thing like a plant or algae that makes its own food using sunlight

refers only to members of the green photosynthetic group rather than all living things

Surface Forms

Morphology

autophytic + plant

The phrase simply combines the adjective 'autophytic' (able to synthesize its own food) with 'plant', so the meaning 'a plant that produces its own food' is directly derivable from the constituents. Although 'autophytic' is a technical, low-frequency word, its internal morphology (auto- 'self' + -phytic 'relating to plants') and literal composition make the compound meaning transparent to a learner who knows both words.

Etymology

The compound autophytic plant comes from the parts auto 'self' and phyte 'plant'. Picture a plant that makes food for itself from sunlight and water, so it means 'a plant that makes its own food'.