seaweed

[ see-weed ]

noun

1. any plant or plants growing in the ocean.
2. a marine alga.

seaweed

/ ˈsiːˌwiːd /

noun

1. any of numerous multicellular marine algae that grow on the seashore, in salt marshes, in brackish water, or submerged in the ocean
2. any of certain other plants that grow in or close to the sea

seaweed

/ sē′wēd′ /

1. Any of various red, green, or brown algae that live in ocean waters. Some species of seaweed are free-floating, while others are attached to the ocean bottom. Seaweed range from the size of a pinhead to having large fronds (such as those of many kelps) that can be as much as 30.5 m (100 ft) in length. Certain species are used for food (such as nori) and fertilizer, and others are harvested for carrageenan and other substances used as thickening, stabilizing, emulsifying, or suspending agents in industrial, pharmaceutical, and food products. Seaweed is also a natural source of the element iodine, which is otherwise found only in very small amounts.
2. See more at brown alga

Word History and Origins

Origin of seaweed¹

First recorded in 1570–80; sea + weed ¹

Example Sentences

I've been eating a lot of roasted seaweed, dark toasted pretzels and a lot of kimchi.

From Salon

Often, these unnamed storms that blow in from the south hit us the hardest and although this wasn’t a big storm, the strong winds and rough seas will mean people living along the prom will probably be picking seaweed out of their gardens for days.

From BBC

Water quickly overwhelmed the beachside bar where she works - the Bridge Tender Inn Dockside & Tiki Bar - with waves splashing the sign and chunks of seaweed clumped near tables.

From BBC

Raymond noted that other climate solutions are emerging that target enteric fermentation; these include animal feed additives like seaweed, which can reduce cattle's methane production.

From Salon

It was found severely cold-stunned, suffering from pneumonia, and covered with a thick build up of algae and seaweed upon its arrival at Sea Life Blackpool.

From BBC

Related Words

• algae