: a large order of green algae that includes the families Chaetophoraceae, Trentepohliaceae, Coleochaetaceae, and related forms and sometimes embraces the Ulotrichaceae and related families and also the Oedogoniaceae and that is characterized by a plant body typically consisting of two systems of branching filaments one of which is prostrate and attached to the substratum and the other upright and often possessing hairs or bristles compare ulotrichales
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Chaetophora + -ales
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