noun
- An organism that thrives in extreme environmental conditions, such as very high or low temperatures, high pressure, or high salinity.
Usage: scientific; biology
Examples
- Extremophiles found in hot springs can survive temperatures that would kill most other organisms.
- Scientists study extremophiles to understand the limits of life on Earth.
- Some extremophiles live in acidic environments with a pH lower than 2.
- Thermophilic extremophiles are adapted to thrive in boiling water.
- Researchers believe extremophiles might exist on other planets with harsh conditions.
- The discovery of extremophiles in deep-sea hydrothermal vents expanded our understanding of where life can exist.