aegagropila

noun

ae·​ga·​grop·​i·​la
ˌē-gə-ˈgrä-pə-lə
1
or less commonly aegagropile or egagropile
ē-ˈga-grō-ˌpīl
plural aegagropilas or aegagropilae
ˌē-gə-ˈgrä-pə-ˌlē
also aegagropiles or egagropiles : a ball of hair or a concretion found in the stomach of the goat and other ruminants
2
plural aegagropilas or aegagropilae : a ball-shaped mass of hairlike filaments formed by some algae (as certain species of the genus Cladophora)
3
capitalized in some classifications : a genus of algae comprising all forms forming aegagropilas
aegagropilous
¦ē-gə-¦grä-pə-ləs
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek aigagros + Latin pila ball, from pilus hair

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aegagropila was in 1699

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!

Dictionary Entries Near aegagropila

Cite this Entry

“Aegagropila.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aegagropila. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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