sargassum

[ sahr-gas-uhm ]

noun

1. any seaweed of the genus Sargassum, widely distributed in the warmer waters of the globe, as S. bacciferum, the common gulfweed.

sargassum

/ sɑːˈɡæsəm; sɑːˈɡæsəʊ /

noun

1. any floating brown seaweed of the genus Sargassum, such as gulfweed, of warm seas, having ribbon-like fronds containing air sacs

Word History and Origins

Origin of sargassum¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1900–05; sargasso

Word History and Origins

Origin of sargassum¹

C18: from New Latin; see sargasso

Example Sentences

Sargassum is distinguished by its differentiation into stem and leaf, resembling in outward appearance the higher plants.

From Project Gutenberg

The Sargassites, finally, have been vaguely referred to the genus Sargassum, so abundant in tropical seas.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, this region is especially so called on account of the ‘Sargassum,’ or weed, in the Portuguese tongue.

From Project Gutenberg

Sea-lentil is a name sometimes applied to the gulfweed Sargassum vulgare.

From Project Gutenberg

Edward Forbes supposed that the Sargassum or Gulf-weed represents the littoral sea-weeds of a now submerged continent.

From Project Gutenberg