eelgrass

noun eel·grass \ ˈēl-ˌgras \

|Updated on: 19 Jun 2018

Definition of eelgrass

1 : a submerged long-leaved monocotyledonous marine plant (Zostera marina) that is found especially in coastal temperate waters and whose dried stems and leaves are used especially as packing material in woven goods

2 : tape grass

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Recent Examples of eelgrass from the Web

In addition, Ward said, research like this can influence eelgrass restoration efforts and the future of aquaculture such as oyster farming.

— hillary davis, latimes.com, "Researchers in Newport optimistic that eelgrass can reduce carbon and acidity in seawater," 30 May 2018
The otters eat the crabs that feed on the sea slugs that consume the algae that kill the eelgrass.

— peter fimrite, San Francisco Chronicle, "Monterey Bay Aquarium’s program to save sea otters revives their habitat," 21 Apr. 2018
In one of his comments, Patten said Japanese eelgrass reduced the yield of his personal clam bed by half.

— sandi doughton, The Seattle Times, "WSU shellfish researcher pays fine for ethics violation," 25 Feb. 2018
The Weed Control Board was considering proposals that would set the stage for use of the pesticide Imazamox to kill Japanese eelgrass, a nonnative species that growers said was choking out shellfish beds.

— sandi doughton, The Seattle Times, "WSU shellfish researcher pays fine for ethics violation," 25 Feb. 2018
In spring and fall, nearly the entire global population of emperor and Pacific black brant geese consume the refuge's eelgrass.

— author: juliet eilperin, Anchorage Daily News, "Interior Department strikes deal with Alaska village for road through national wildlife refuge," 6 Jan. 2018
In a future New York City flooded under 50 feet of water, investment bankers motorboat through city squares and develop housing projects based on the emergent properties of eelgrass.

— nisi shawl, The Seattle Times, "Noteworthy books of 2017: speculative fiction," 17 Dec. 2017
In spring and fall, nearly all of the world’s population of emperor and Pacific black brant geese stop to devour the refuge’s eelgrass beds for sustenance.

— juliet eilperin, Washington Post, "Interior looks at behind-the-scenes land swap to allow road through wilderness refuge," 15 Oct. 2017
The reefs and the eelgrass are the first line of defense against the strong wave action predicted in global warming scenarios.

— National Geographic, "How the Bay Area Is Restoring Nature's Delicate Balance," 13 June 2017

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