laminaria

noun

lam·​i·​nar·​ia ˌla-mə-ˈner-ē-ə 

plural laminarias

: any of a genus (Laminaria) or order (Laminariales) of large annual or perennial kelps that typically have an unbranched cylindrical or flattened stipe and a smooth or convoluted leathery blade (see blade entry 1 sense 2e)

laminarian

ˌla-mə-ˈner-ē-ən 

adjective

laminarian algae

laminarian noun

plural laminarians

… many laminarians cannot reproduce at temperatures above 18-25 degrees C.

—J. A. Raven

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin lamina

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

laminaria

noun

lam·​i·​nar·​ia ˌlam-ə-ˈner-ē-ə 

-ˈnar-

: any of various large kelps with an unbranched cylinder-shaped or flattened stalk and a smooth or wavy blade

Medical Definition

laminaria

noun

lam·​i·​nar·​ia ˌlam-ə-ˈner-ē-ə, -ˈnar- 

: any of a genus (Laminaria) or order (Laminariales) of large annual or perennial kelps that includes some (such as Laminaria digitata) that have been used to dilate the cervix