sargassum

noun

sar·​gas·​sum sär-ˈga-səm How to pronounce sargassum (audio)
: any of a genus (Sargassum) of brown algae that have a branching thallus with lateral outgrowths differentiated as leafy segments, air bladders, or spore-bearing structures : gulfweed

Examples of sargassum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The waters surrounding the island also support coral reefs, sargassum and seaweed; endangered green sea turtles often visit to forage. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024 However, in popular tourist areas along the Yucatán coast like Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and others, the beach may become piled high with sargassum, a type of seaweed that can also make the water unswimmable. Emily Hochberg, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2024 Instead, target these abundant and hungry pelagic fish by trolling in areas with clear water, and focus on floating structure like sargassum and kelp paddies, oil rigs, and even floating ocean debris. Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 19 Sep. 2024 Franziska Elmer is hoping for better luck with sargassum, a seaweed that naturally blankets parts of the central Atlantic in spring and summer and is more tolerant of low-iron environments. Bywarren Cornwall, science.org, 29 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sargassum 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, borrowed from Portuguese sargaço sargasso

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sargassum was circa 1890

Dictionary Entries Near sargassum

Cite this Entry

“Sargassum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sargassum. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

sargassum

noun
sar·​gas·​sum sär-ˈgas-əm How to pronounce sargassum (audio)
: any of a genus of brown algae that have a leafy branching body and air bladders and that often grow in free-floating masses in the ocean

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