-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
red alga
noun
plural red algae also red algas
: any of a division (Rhodophyta) of chiefly marine algae that have predominantly red pigmentation
Examples of red alga in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Rhodomela subfusca, a red alga.
—Leslie Nemo, Scientific American, 29 Mar. 2021
Cryptophytes are the result of a merger between two organisms: a red alga that was engulfed by another unknown eukaryote (an organism with cells that contain enclosed nuclei).
—Viviane Callier, Smithsonian, 23 Oct. 2019
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'red alga.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1834, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near red alga
Cite this Entry
“Red alga.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20alga. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
red alga
noun
: any of various algae that usually grow in the ocean and are of reddish color
Medical Definition
red alga
noun
: any of a division (Rhodophyta) of chiefly marine algae that have predominantly red pigmentation
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share