cyanobacteria

¹

[ sahy-uh-noh-bak-teer-ee-uh, sahy-an-oh- ]

plural noun

, singular cy·a·no·bac·te·ri·um [sahy-, uh, -noh-bak-, teer, -ee-, uh, m, sahy-an-oh-].

1. Microbiology. a widely distributed group of photosynthetic bacteria, occurring singly or in colonies in terrestrial and aquatic habitats: often mistakenly referred to as algae, especially when called by their most common misnomer, blue-green algae .

Cyanobacteria

²

[ sahy-uh-noh-bak-teer-ee-uh, sahy-an-oh- ]

noun

, Microbiology.

1. the phylum, or subkingdom, that comprises the cyanobacteria.

cyanobacteria

/ ˌsaɪənəʊbækˈtɪərɪə /

plural noun

1. a group of photosynthetic bacteria (phylum Cyanobacteria ) containing a blue photosynthetic pigment Former nameblue-green algae

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyanobacteria¹

First recorded in 1975–80; cyano- ¹ + bacteria

Origin of cyanobacteria²

See cyanobacteria ( def )

Example Sentences

Blue-green algae, technically known as cyanobacteria, is a collection of microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams.

From BBC

The blue-green algae, known as cyanobacteria, is a natural part of the ecosystem but can rapidly grow under certain conditions, including warm temperatures and calm water.

From Los Angeles Times

Campaigners fear that breaches of trade effluent consents, sewage spills and agricultural pollution are combining to fuel the growth of toxic cyanobacteria at Lough Neagh.

From BBC

The bloom may be comprised of blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, which produce microcystin, “a potent toxin that can irritate the skin and cause liver and kidney damage,” the National Aeronautics and Space Administration wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

For many years it was assumed that most nitrogen fixation in the oceans was carried out by photosynthetic organisms called cyanobacteria.

From Science Daily