Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

extremophile

Noun

/ˌɛkstrɪˈmoʊfaɪl/

Definition

A microorganism that thrives in extreme environmental conditions.

Examples

Thermophiles are a type of extremophile that live in hot springs.
Halophiles, which are salt-loving extremophiles, can be found in salt flats.
Psychrophiles are extremophiles that thrive in cold environments, like polar ice caps.

Meaning

Extremophiles are organisms that can live in environments that are too extreme for most forms of life, including high temperature, high acidity, high salinity, or extreme pressure.