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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'green alga.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of green alga was in 1843

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 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

green alga

noun
: any of a group of green-colored algae that occur especially in fresh water
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