Meaning & use

algae

noun·Academic

Simple, mostly aquatic organisms that use photosynthesis, ranging from single-celled forms to large seaweeds.

See it in a sentence

Green algae covered the surface of the pond after weeks of warm weather.

Scientists are studying algae as a possible renewable source of biofuel.

A note on using this word

Algae is technically the plural of alga, but it is commonly used as a mass noun in everyday and scientific speech, as in the algae is spreading.

Words with a similar meaning

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