cyanobacteria

¹

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

plural noun

singular

cyanobacterium 

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyanobacteria¹

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

Origin of cyanobacteria²

See cyanobacteria ( def. )

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

In 2024, a team of Bowling Green State University biology students recorded a significant reduction in cyanobacteria in Northwest Ohio’s Sandusky Bay thanks to the removal of an upstream dam.

From Salon

“My guess is it’s some type of cyanobacteria poisoning from the algae from the environment,” said Dr. Karen Halligan, a senior veterinarian at Marina Veterinary Center.

From Los Angeles Times

In cyanobacteria, the cell division cycle, the process through which one cell grows and divides into two new cells, acts as the 'carrier signal'.

From Science Daily

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

From BBC