blue-green algae

[bloo-green al-jee]

plural noun

Microbiology.

1. cyanobacteria.

blue-green algae

plural noun

1. the former name for cyanobacteria

Word History and Origins

Origin of blue-green algae¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

In recent years large blooms of potentially toxic blue-green algae in Lough Neagh – caused in large part by long-term pollution – have grabbed the headlines.

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It follows the confirmation of high levels of blue-green algae.

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The meeting follows a third summer of blue-green algae blooms, which have covered the lough.

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It also grows a type of bacteria called Arthospira, also known as blue-green algae, as it shares similar properties with microalgae.

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Under certain conditions, blue-green algae can become abundant in warm, shallow, undisturbed, nutrient-rich surface waters that receive a lot of sunlight.

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