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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
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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 21 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
green alga
noun
: any of a group of green-colored algae that occur especially in fresh water
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