-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
green alga
noun
plural green algae also green algas
: any of a division (Chlorophyta) of green-colored algae that have chloroplasts and occur especially in fresh water
Examples of green alga in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In addition to explaining the cells’ prowess at photosynthesis, the new work helps to confirm the theory that those phytoplankton arose through a symbiotic alliance between a protozoan and a resilient green alga.
—Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 6 July 2023
Deisseroth was still mulling this over in 2003, when German biologists Georg Nagel and Peter Hegemann announced a new light-sensitive microbe, a green alga called Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
—Amy Barth, Discover Magazine, 24 Sep. 2012
The algae partner can be either a green alga or a blue-green alga, known as cyanobacteria.
—Howard Garrett, Dallas News, 17 June 2020
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1843, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near green alga
Cite this Entry
“Green alga.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20alga. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
green alga
noun
: any of a group of green-colored algae that occur especially in fresh water
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share