characterized by or growing in the absence of light
an aphotic plant
2.
of or relating to the zone of an ocean below that to which sunlight can penetrate, usually about 90m (300 ft). This is the lowest level at which photosynthesis can take place
Word origin
C20: from a-1 + -photic, from Greek phōs light
aphotic in American English
(eɪˈfoʊtɪk)
adjective
without light; specif., pertaining to that part (aphotic zone) of the ocean below a depth of c. 100 m (c. 328 ft) which does not receive sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis