heter-, hetero-
(Greek: different, other, another, unlike; irregular, abnormal)
This Greek element forms many scientific and other terms, often in opposition to homo-. Sometimes it is also the antonym of auto-, homoeo-, iso-, ortho-, and syn-.
heterotrophic (adjective) (not comparable)
Regarding a life form that obtains its nutriment from organic matter for growth: Heterotrophic organisms aquire compounds of nitrogen and carbon from plant or animal substances for growth and energy from complex compounds that are natural and non-artificial.
The occurrence of a form of life that requires more than one host in the life cycle: Heteroxeny describes the condition of certain parasites that need other life forms to survive.
heterozoic (adjective) (not comparable)
Pertaining to another animal or species of an animal: Jane was very interested in many kinds of living creatures and bought a book about fauna which included discourses about the heterozoic differences among them.