Main Entry:

ar·chaea

Pronunciation:

\är-ˈkē-ə\

Function:

noun plural

Etymology:

New Latin, from Greek archaios

Date:

1990

: microorganisms of a domain (Archaea) including especially methane-producing forms, some red halophilic forms, and others of harsh hot acidic environments (as a hot spring) — compare bacterium, eukaryote

— ar·chae·al \-əl\ adjective

— ar·chae·an \-ən\ adjective or noun