adjective
aphotic
ay-FOH-tik
Aphotic (adjective) means Completely dark, with no light, particularly none from the sun. Example: “The cave's innermost chamber was completely aphotic.”
adjective
1
Completely dark, with no light, particularly none from the sun.
"The cave's innermost chamber was completely aphotic."
"Nothing green grows in the aphotic depths."
"Beyond the cave mouth, the passage was aphotic."
2
technical Describing the deep layer of a lake or ocean that is too dark for plants to photosynthesize.
"Scientists study the animals that live in the aphotic zone of the ocean."
"Photosynthesis cannot take place in aphotic water."
"The aphotic layer begins where sunlight becomes too faint to support plants."
How to use aphotic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWithout light, especially the dark deep layers of the ocean.
When to use it
It is a technical word used mostly in biology and oceanography.
Memory tip
Think of the prefix a- as meaning without, so aphotic means without light.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
aphotic zone
aphotic depths
aphotic waters
aphotic layer
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The cave's innermost chamber was completely _____.
Etymology
The word was formed in English from the prefix a-, meaning not or without, and the word photic.
Antonyms
photic
Rhymes for aphotic
See all rhymes for aphotic →Frequently asked questions
What does aphotic mean?
Aphotic means completely dark, with no light, particularly none from the sun. In science it describes the deep parts of oceans and lakes that sunlight barely reaches.
What is the aphotic zone?
It is the deep layer of a lake or ocean that is too dark for plants to photosynthesize.
What is the opposite of aphotic?
The opposite is photic, which describes water or areas that receive sunlight.
What is the meaning of aphotic?
"aphotic" (adjective) means completely dark, with no light, particularly none from the sun.
