Protophyta

plural noun

Pro·​toph·​y·​ta

prəˈtäfətə

: a major category of lower plants: such as

a

in former classifications : a division or other group comprising the algae, fungi, and lichens

b

in some especially former classifications : a division or other group comprising unicellular plants and including bacteria, yeasts, slime molds, blue-green algae, and various simple green algae

—often used as a term of convenience rather than strict taxonomy compare protista

c

in some classifications : a division comprising unicellular and noncellular organisms and including blue-green algae, bacteria, rickettsias and related organisms, and viruses

—used chiefly in bacteriological taxonomy

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from prot- + -phyta

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