aegagropila

noun

ae·​ga·​grop·​i·​la

ˌē-gə-ˈgrä-pə-lə

1

or less commonly aegagropile or egagropile

ē-ˈga-grō-ˌpīl

plural aegagropilas or aegagropilae

ˌē-gə-ˈgrä-pə-ˌlē

also aegagropiles or egagropiles : a ball of hair or a concretion found in the stomach of the goat and other ruminants

2

plural aegagropilas or aegagropilae : a ball-shaped mass of hairlike filaments formed by some algae (as certain species of the genus Cladophora)

3

capitalized in some classifications : a genus of algae comprising all forms forming aegagropilas

aegagropilous

¦ē-gə-¦grä-pə-ləs

adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek aigagros + Latin pila ball, from pilus hair

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined at sense 1

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now