asterionella

noun

as·​te·​ri·​o·​nel·​la

1

capitalized : a small genus of narrowly linear diatoms (family Fragilariaceae) arranged in stellate free-floating colonies and often causing geraniumlike or fishy odors in public water supplies

2

plural -s : a diatom of the genus Asterionella

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek asterion (neuter of asterios starry) + New Latin -ella

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