cyanobacteria

¹ American  

[sahy-uh-noh-bak-teer-ee-uh, sahy-an-oh-] / ˌsaɪ ə noʊ bækˈtɪər i ə, saɪˌæn oʊ- /

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 .

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Cyanobacteria ² American  

[sahy-uh-noh-bak-teer-ee-uh, sahy-an-oh-] / ˌsaɪ ə noʊ bækˈtɪər i ə, saɪˌæn oʊ- /

noun

Microbiology.

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

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cyanobacteria British  

/ ˌsaɪənəʊbækˈtɪərɪə /

plural noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of cyanobacteria¹

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

Origin of Cyanobacteria²

See cyanobacteria ( def. )

Example Sentences

Organisms living near cyanobacteria could have used this enzyme to rapidly consume small amounts of oxygen as it was produced.

From Science Daily

The beauty of the sky contrasts sharply with the water, sometimes blue, but often a murky green from cyanobacteria or stained black.

From BBC

These modifications have not been previously reported in MAAs derived from cyanobacteria.

From Science Daily

Last year, scientists in the country announced they had launched successful trials spraying the soil with cyanobacteria, also known as "blue-green algae" -- a method that helps retain moisture and facilitate tree rooting.

From Barron's

During the warm months, Lake Erie becomes an ideal setting for cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, to grow rapidly.

From Science Daily