blue-green alga

noun

ˈblü-ˈgrēn-

plural blue-green algae also blue-green algas

: cyanobacterium

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The algae partner can be either a green alga or a blue-green alga, known as cyanobacteria. —

Howard Garrett, Dallas News, 17 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'blue-green alga.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of blue-green alga was in 1880

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near blue-green alga

blue-gray gnatcatcher

blue-green alga

blue grosbeak

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Blue-green alga.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blue-green%20alga. Accessed 3 Feb. 2023.

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Kids Definition

blue-green alga

noun

ˌblü-ˌgrēn-

: any of a major group of microorganisms that typically live in water and undergo photosynthesis and that are now usually classified as bacteria or sometimes as plants

called also cyanobacterium