'Thermophilic' definitions:

Definition of 'Thermophilic'

From: GCIDE
  • Thermophilic \Ther`mo*phil"ic\, a. [Thermo- + Gr. ? loving + -ic.] Heat-loving; -- applied especially to microorganisms such as certain bacteria, fungi and algae, which grow best at temperatures above 40[deg] C (e.g. between 50[deg] and 60[deg]), and in some cases at temperatures that would kill ordinary microorganisms. They are found in naturally hot locations, such as at hot springs or the thermal vents at the ocean bottom. [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]