sargassum

American  

[sahr-gas-uhm] / sɑrˈgæs əm /

noun

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

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sargassum British  

/ sɑːˈɡæsəm /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of sargassum

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sargassum

The amount of sargassum on Mexico's beaches this year is a four-fold jump from last year, and 27 times more than the historic average.

From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026

Barcena said the "massive arrival" of sargassum is due to irregular ocean currents starting in 2011.

From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026

"As these seaweed accumulations grow taller and more widespread, they risk blocking hatchlings entirely, draining their limited energy or leaving them stranded. Beyond impeding movement, sargassum may also reduce nesting space and alter incubation conditions."

From Science Daily ● Nov. 24, 2025

Scientists have long known that anything blocking a hatchling's route can slow it down and increase danger, but very little research has focused directly on the effects of sargassum.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 24, 2025

The sargassum and the almonds of the stone-pine completed the repast, during which the engineer spoke little.

From The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne

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