Acidophilic is a term used to describe organisms that thrive in acidic environments. It is a relatively uncommon word that is often used in scientific or medical contexts. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of acidophilic, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Acidophilic is an adjective that describes an organism’s ability to grow and live in acidic conditions. Acidophilic organisms can survive in environments with a pH of less than 5.5. These organisms are often found in environments such as soil, water, and even in the human body.
Origin
The word acidophilic comes from the Greek words “acidus,” meaning sour, and “philia,” meaning love. The term was first used in the early 1900s to describe microorganisms that were able to grow in acidic environments.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, acidophilic is defined as “thriving in or preferring an acid environment.” The Cambridge dictionary defines it as “able to live in environments that are acidic.” The Oxford dictionary defines it as “having an affinity for acid.”
Associations
Acidophilic organisms are often associated with extreme environments, such as acidic hot springs or acidic mine drainage. They are also associated with certain medical conditions, such as acid reflux disease, where the acidity of the stomach is too high.
Synonyms
The synonyms of acidophilic include acid-tolerant, acid-loving, and acid-adapted.
Antonyms
The antonyms of acidophilic include alkaliphilic, alkaline-loving, and alkaline-adapted.
The same root words
The same root words as acidophilic include acidosis, acidify, and acidemia.
Example Sentences
- Acidophilic bacteria are commonly found in acidic soils.
- The acidophilic nature of the stomach allows for the digestion of food.
- Acidophilic microorganisms play a crucial role in the breakdown of organic matter in acidic environments.