Daphnia

[ daf-nee-uh ]

noun

1. a genus of tiny, freshwater crustaceans having a transparent body, used in biological research and as food for tropical fish.

daphnia

/ ˈdæfnɪə /

noun

1. any water flea of the genus Daphnia, having a rounded body enclosed in a transparent shell and bearing branched swimming antennae

Word History and Origins

Origin of Daphnia¹

1840–50; < New Latin, perhaps after Daphne; -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of Daphnia¹

C19: from New Latin, probably from Daphne

Example Sentences

The recovery or death of the daphnia depends therefore on the issue of the struggle.

From Project Gutenberg

I have already spoken of the fresh-water shrimp and the water-flea (Daphnia pulex).

From Project Gutenberg

Of Crustaceae: near the sea-shore a Pagurus existed in astonishing numbers, and in the sweet waters a Daphnia.

From Project Gutenberg

Some of these belong to the genus Daphnia, and differ from the species found in other situations by their glassy transparency.

From Project Gutenberg

Such small creatures as Daphnia pulex, Cyclops quadricornis and Rotifera should be introduced into ponds.

From Project Gutenberg