algae
UK: ˈældʒiː | US: ˈælˌdʒi
n. Simple, non-flowering aquatic plants, including seaweeds and pond scums, that contain chlorophyll but lack true stems, roots, or leaves.
algae = alg<seaweed> + ae<plural suffix>
- alg<seaweed>: From Latin alga (seaweed), of uncertain origin, possibly related to algēre (to be cold), reflecting its aquatic habitat.
- ae<plural suffix>: Latin plural ending for feminine nouns, indicating collective or multiple instances.
Etymology Origin:
The word algae traces back to Latin alga, a term for marine or freshwater plant life. The plural form algae was adopted directly into scientific English, preserving the Latin morphological structure. The root alg- evokes the plant’s cold, watery environment, though its deeper Indo-European roots remain unclear. Over time, algae became the standard term for these photosynthetic organisms, reflecting their ecological unity despite diverse forms (e.g., microalgae, kelp).
The pond’s surface was covered with green algae.
Marine algae produce over half of Earth’s oxygen.
Scientists study algae for biofuel potential.
Excessive fertilizer runoff can cause harmful algae blooms.
Some species of algae are edible, like nori used in sushi.