noun
algae
AL-gee
noun
1
Simple, mostly aquatic plant-like organisms that photosynthesize, ranging from single-celled forms to seaweed.
"Green algae covered the surface of the pond by midsummer."
"Some biofuels are produced by growing algae in large tanks."
How to Use Algae
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA broad group of simple water-dwelling organisms, from microscopic pond scum to giant kelp.
Common mistake
"Algae" is technically plural (the singular is "alga"), but in everyday use people usually treat it as a mass noun, like "moss" — "the algae is spreading" is common even though purists prefer "are".
Common pairings
algae bloom
blue-green algae
algae growth
Word Forms
algae plural, algaes plural
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Green _____ covered the surface of the pond by midsummer.