euglena

noun

eu·​gle·​na yü-ˈglē-nə How to pronounce euglena (audio)
: any of a genus (Euglena) of green freshwater flagellates often classified as algae

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from eu- + Greek glēnē eyeball, socket of a joint

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of euglena was circa 1889

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Cite this Entry

“Euglena.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euglena. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

euglena

noun
eu·​gle·​na yu̇-ˈglē-nə How to pronounce euglena (audio)
: any of a large genus of green freshwater flagellates often classified with the algae

Medical Definition

euglena

noun
eu·​gle·​na yu̇-ˈglē-nə How to pronounce euglena (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of green freshwater flagellates of the order Euglenida often classified as algae
2
: any member of the genus Euglena

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