red alga

noun

plural red algae also red algas
: any of a division (Rhodophyta) of chiefly marine algae that have predominantly red pigmentation

Examples of red alga in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Rhodomela subfusca, a red alga. Leslie Nemo, Scientific American, 29 Mar. 2021 Cryptophytes are the result of a merger between two organisms: a red alga that was engulfed by another unknown eukaryote (an organism with cells that contain enclosed nuclei). Viviane Callier, Smithsonian, 23 Oct. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'red 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

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red alga was in 1834

Dictionary Entries Near red alga

Cite this Entry

“Red alga.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20alga. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

red alga

noun
: any of various algae that usually grow in the ocean and are of reddish color

Medical Definition

red alga

noun
: any of a division (Rhodophyta) of chiefly marine algae that have predominantly red pigmentation
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