plural algae
ˈal-(ˌ)jē 
also algas
also algas
: any of a diverse group of chiefly photosynthetic and aquatic plantlike organisms that range from unicellular to large multicellular forms, are typically classified as protists, and include the green, yellow-green, brown, golden-brown, and red algae in the eukaryotes and especially formerly the cyanobacteria in the prokaryotes
Note: While multicellular algae often resemble plants, they lack the true roots, leaves, and stems characteristic of vascular plants.
… the divers were witnessing the collapse of the delicate symbiotic relationship between the coral animals and the single-celled photosynthetic algae, called zooxanthellae, that normally flourish within them.—
Lucy Bunkley-Williams and Ernest H. Williams, Jr.
Lucy Bunkley-Williams and Ernest H. Williams, Jr.In the intertidal zone limpets and other mollusks graze on algae in the rocks.—Roger Rosenblatt
Roger RosenblattDiatoms, the preeminent form of algae in most of today's freshwater and marine environments, need high concentrations of nutrients near the water's surface in order to bloom and form mats.—Mrill Ingram
Mrill IngramBut the rapid decline of one of the pond's rare plants, a one-metre long giant freshwater alga called stonewort, has alerted scientists to the fact that changes are taking place at Hell Kettles.—The Journal (Newcastle, England)
The Journal (Newcastle, England)Giant kelp, the world's largest species of marine algae, is an attractive source for making biofuels.—Diane Kim
Diane Kim
algal
adjective
algal cells
Stimulated by warm, still weather, algal blooms deoxygenate the water below.
—William Booth
William Booth
Examples of alga in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The carotenoid pigments in this alga gives flamingos their pinkish hue.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2024
Instead, the alga survived and became a symbiotic partner to the protozoan, feeding it the fruits of its photosynthesis.
—Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 6 July 2024
The adults, after all, have opaque bodies and spend most of their lives underground – conditions that are less than ideal for a light-dependent alga.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 5 Apr. 2011
Soon, all parts of each alga will be used.
—Hannah Hall, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2023
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Joshua Rapp Learn, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2024
Instead, the alga survived and became a symbiotic partner to the protozoan, feeding it the fruits of its photosynthesis.
—Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 6 July 2024
The adults, after all, have opaque bodies and spend most of their lives underground – conditions that are less than ideal for a light-dependent alga.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 5 Apr. 2011
Soon, all parts of each alga will be used.
—Hannah Hall, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for alga
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Cite this Entry
“Alga.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alga. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
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Medical Definition
alga
noun
al·ga
ˈal-gə
plural algae
ˈal-(ˌ)jē
also algas
also algas
: any of a diverse group of chiefly photosynthetic and aquatic plantlike organisms that range from unicellular to large multicellular forms, are typically classified as protists, and include the green, yellow-green, brown, golden-brown, and red algae in the eukaryotes and especially formerly the cyanobacteria in the prokaryotes
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