What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
Microcystis
noun
Mi·cro·cys·tis
Definition of Microcystis
: a genus of unicellular blue-green algae (family Chroococcaceae) forming irregularly shaped colonies within a common gelatinous envelope and including at least one species (M. aeruginosa) that is poisonous and may become abundant and troublesome in lakes especially where much organic matter is present
From the M-W Editors
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
Origin and Etymology of microcystis
New Latin, from micr- + -cystis
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up Microcystis? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!