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zooxanthella

noun
zo·​o·​xan·​thel·​la | \ ˌzō-ə-zan-ˈthe-lə \
plural zooxanthellae\ ˌzō-​ə-​zan-​ˈthe-​(ˌ)lē \

Definition of zooxanthella

: any of various symbiotic dinoflagellates that live within the cells of other organisms (such as reef-building coral polyps)

First Known Use of zooxanthella

1882, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for zooxanthella

New Latin, from zo- + xanth- + -ella (diminutive suffix)

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Dictionary Entries near zooxanthella

zoot suit

zooty

zootype

zooxanthella

zoozoo

zoppa

Zoque

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Time Traveler for zooxanthella

The first known use of zooxanthella was in 1882

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More from Merriam-Webster on zooxanthella

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about zooxanthella

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