auxotrophic

adjective

auxo·​tro·​phic ˌȯk-sə-ˈtrō-fik How to pronounce auxotrophic (audio)
: requiring a specific growth substance beyond the minimum required for normal metabolism and reproduction by the parental or wild-type strain
auxotrophic mutants of bacteria
auxotrophy
ȯk-ˈsä-trə-fē How to pronounce auxotrophic (audio)
noun

Examples of auxotrophic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Aqueous faecal extracts were prepared and assayed for auxotrophic growth-enhancement and bacterial mutagenicity (using fluctuation tests with Salmonella typhimurium TA100 and Escherichia coli WP2uvrApKM101). —Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 8 Oct. 2012

Word History

Etymology

Latin auxilium "assistance, aid" + -o- + -trophic — more at auxiliary entry 1

Note: The terms auxotroph and auxotrophic were introduced in a paper by the American biologist Bernard D. Davis (1916-94) and laboratory technician Elizabeth S. Mingioli (1926-97), "Mutants of Escherichia coli requiring methionine or Vitamin B12," Journal of Bacteriology, vol. 60, no. 1 (July, 1950), p. 17: "The penicillin method … has permitted convenient isolation of auxotrophic1 mutants of Escherichia coli with specific growth requirements … [footnote] 1The terms "auxotrophic" (Lat. auxilium = "aid"; Gr. troph = "food") and the corresponding noun "auxotroph" are suggested for convenience in denoting biochemical mutants with increased nutritional requirements."

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of auxotrophic was in 1944

Dictionary Entries Near auxotrophic

auxotroph

auxotrophic

Aux Sources, Mont

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Cite this Entry

“Auxotrophic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/auxotrophic. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

auxotrophic

adjective
auxo·​tro·​phic ˌȯk-sə-ˈtrō-fik How to pronounce auxotrophic (audio)
: requiring a specific growth substance beyond the minimum required for normal metabolism and reproduction of the parental or wild-type strain
auxotrophic bacterial mutants
compare prototrophic
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