English Lexicon

Mesophile

/ˈmɛzəˌfaɪl/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #15000 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    An organism that grows best at moderate temperatures, typically between 20°C and 45°C.

    "Mesophiles are commonly found in soil and are crucial for nutrient cycling."
  2. 2

    A type of microorganism that prefers moderate environmental conditions.

    "In biotechnology, mesophiles are often used in fermentation processes."

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Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'mesophile' is derived from the Greek roots 'meso-', meaning 'middle', and 'philos', meaning 'loving'. It was first used in the late 20th century to describe organisms that thrive at moderate temperatures, typically between 20°C and 45°C.

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