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zooxanthella

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noun zo·o·xan·thel·la \ˌzō-ə-zan-ˈthe-lə\

Definition of zooxanthella

plural

zooxanthellae

play \ˌzō-ə-zan-ˈthe-(ˌ)lē\

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

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Origin and Etymology of zooxanthella

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

Learn More about zooxanthella

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about zooxanthella

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