hyperthermophile

noun

hy·​per·​ther·​mo·​phile ˌhī-pər-ˈthər-mə-ˌfī(-ə)l How to pronounce hyperthermophile (audio)
: an organism that lives in extremely hot environments (such as hot springs) with temperatures around the boiling point of water
hyperthermophilic adjective

Examples of hyperthermophile 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.
Here’s a bacterium whose genetic material includes genes from a diverse bestiary: Icelandic hyperthermophiles, petunias, yeast, perhaps a bit of bioluminescent jellyfish. Sophia Roosth, Slate Magazine, 25 Apr. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1988, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyperthermophile was in 1988

Dictionary Entries Near hyperthermophile

Cite this Entry

“Hyperthermophile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperthermophile. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!