autotroph

autotroph
    n 1: plant capable of synthesizing its own food from simple
         organic substances [syn: {autophyte}, {autophytic plant},
         {autotroph}, {autotrophic organism}]
    

autotroph \autotroph\ n.
   an organism which is {autotrophic}, i. e., an organism (such
   as most plants and certain microorganisms) which are capable
   of synthesizing its own food from simple organic substances,
   requiring only minerals as nutrients for growth, and using
   carbonate or carbon dioxide as a source of carbon and simple
   inorganic nitrogen as a nitrogen source; the energy required
   is derived from photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Opposed to
   {heterotroph}. See also {auxotroph}.

   Syn: autophyte, autophytic plant, autotrophic organism.
        [WordNet 1.5 + PJC]