Heterocapsales

plural noun

Het·​ero·​cap·​sa·​les

ˌhetə(ˌ)rōˌkapˈsā(ˌ)lēz

: an order of yellowish to brownish green algae (class Xanthophyceae) that form amorphous or arborescent palmelloid colonies containing an indefinite number of cells which are capable of reverting to a motile state directly or through zoospore formation compare heterococcales , volvocales

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!