Daphnia

[ daf-nee-uh ]

noun

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

Origin of Daphnia

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

Compare water flea.

Words Nearby Daphnia

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Daphnia in a sentence

The recovery or death of the Daphnia depends therefore on the issue of the struggle.
Life of Elie Metchnikoff, 1845-1916 | Olga Metchnikoff
I have already spoken of the fresh-water shrimp and the water-flea (Daphnia pulex).
Amateur Fish Culture | Charles Edward Walker
Of Crustaceae: near the sea-shore a Pagurus existed in astonishing numbers, and in the sweet waters a Daphnia.
The Highlands of Ethiopia | William Cornwallis Harris
Some of these belong to the genus Daphnia, and differ from the species found in other situations by their glassy transparency.
The Life of Crustacea | William Thomas Calman
Such small creatures as Daphnia pulex, Cyclops quadricornis and Rotifera should be introduced into ponds.
Amateur Fish Culture | Charles Edward Walker

British Dictionary definitions for daphnia

daphnia

/ (ˈdæfnɪə) /

noun

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

Origin of daphnia

C19: from New Latin, probably from Daphne

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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