anabaena

[ an-uh-bee-nuh ]

noun

1. any of the freshwater algae of the genus Anabaena, commonly occurring in masses and often contaminating drinking water, giving it a fishy odor and taste.

anabaena

/ ˌænəˈbiːnə /

noun

1. any freshwater alga of the genus Anabaena, sometimes occurring in drinking water, giving it a fishy taste and smell

Word History and Origins

Origin of anabaena¹

< New Latin < Greek anabaín ( ein ) to go up ( ana- ana- + baínein to go) + Latin -a -a ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of anabaena¹

New Latin, from Greek anabainein to shoot up, go up, from ana- + bainein to go; so called because they rise to the surface at intervals