ClimateSeptember 3, 2026

nitrophilous

ny-TRAH-fih-lus

Definition

Thriving in or preferring environments with high levels of nitrogen.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'nitron' (native soda or saltpeter) and 'philos' (loving), appearing in scientific contexts to describe organisms adapted to nitrogen-rich habitats.

In the news

The author uses this term to describe specific types of lichen growing on a tree stump, noting that they flourish where squirrels have left nitrogen-rich waste.

Faith in Stumps

Read the full article ↗

Earth Island Institute

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