alga

Variant of algae

algae definition

al·gae (al′jē′)

plural noun sing. alga al′ga (-gə)

any of several divisions of simple photosynthetic organisms, esp. certain thallophytes, variously one-celled, colonial, or filamentous, containing chlorophyll and other pigments (esp. red and brown), and having no true root, stem, or leaf: algae are found in water or damp places, and include seaweeds and pond scum

Etymology: pl. of L alga, seaweed < IE base *el-, *ol-, to be moldy, putrid > Swed ul, rancid, Du uilig, rotten

Related Forms:

  • algal al′·gal (-gəl) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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