Heterokontae

plural noun

Het·​ero·​kon·​tae
ˌhetərōˈkän‧ˌtē
in some classifications
: a class of algae equivalent to Xanthophyceae that includes all the yellow-green algae having flagella of unequal length compare isokontae

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from heter- + -kontae (from Greek kontos punting pole, from kentein to prick, goad); from the unequal length of the flagella

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Cite this Entry

“Heterokontae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Heterokontae. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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