algae

/'ælgə/

Thân thiện

Green algae float on the surface of a clear, sunlit pond.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Primitive, mainly aquatic organisms: Algae are simple, plant-like organisms that typically live in water. They contain chlorophyll, which allows them to produce their own food through photosynthesis, but they lack the true roots, stems, and leaves found in higher plants. They are eukaryotic, meaning their cells have a nucleus.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The pond water turned green due to an overgrowth of algae.
  • Scientists study algae to understand aquatic ecosystems and for potential biofuel production.
  • Some types of algae, like seaweed, are used as food in many cultures.

Advanced Usage

• "Algal bloom": A rapid increase in the population of algae in an aquatic system, often visible as discoloration of the water.
  • The lake was closed for swimming because of a harmful algal bloom.

Variants and Related Words

• Algal (adjective): Relating to or caused by algae.
  • The research paper focused on algal toxins.

Synonyms

• Seaweed (specifically for larger marine algae)
• Phytoplankton (microscopic algae that drift in water)

Related Phrases and Terms

• Kelp: A large type of brown algae.
• Diatoms: A major group of microscopic algae with silica cell walls.

Học thuật

Noun

1. primitive chlorophyll-containing mainly aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking true stems and roots and leaves

Từ đồng nghĩa

• alga