Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Sphacelaria

noun
Sphac·e·lar·ia | \ˌsfasəˈla(a)rēə\

Definition of Sphacelaria 

: a genus of small feathery brown algae (order Sphacelariales) similar to Ectocarpus but having the area of growth restricted to large dark brown apical cells

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!

History and Etymology for Sphacelaria

New Latin, from sphacelus gangrene + -aria

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Sphacelaria

Share Sphacelaria

Resources for Sphacelaria

Cite Time Traveler Time Traveler! Explore the year a word first appeared

Dictionary Entries near Sphacelaria

spg

sp gr

sph

Sphacelaria

Sphacelariales

sphacelia

Sphaceloma

Statistics for Sphacelaria

Look-up Popularity

Comments on Sphacelaria

What made you want to look up Sphacelaria? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

superjacent

lying above or upon

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games