archaea

ar·chaea

noun pl \är-ˈkē-ə\

Definition of ARCHAEA

: 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

Origin of ARCHAEA

New Latin, from Greek archaios

First Known Use: 1990