alkenone

noun

al·ke·none | \ ˈal-kə-ˌnōn

\

plural alkenones

Definition of alkenone

: any of various long-chain unsaturated ketones that are produced by phytoplanktonic algae (such as the coccolithophores)

Note: Analysis of the chemical structure of alkenones present in marine sediment is used as a method to determine past sea temperatures.

To further the current climate debate, the chapter “Deep Sea Mud” explains how compounds such as alkenones, left by the marine alga Emiliania huxleyi, among other species, provide a temperature proxy. —Karen Bushaw-Newton, Bioscience, 1 Sept. 2009

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about alkenone

Dictionary Entries near alkenone

Statistics for alkenone

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for alkenone

The first known use of alkenone was in 1945

See more words from the same year

WORD OF THE DAY

secrete

to deposit or conceal in a hiding place

Test Your Vocabulary

Name that Food Quiz

Name these cookies!

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ

SCRABBLE® Sprint

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

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games