seaweed

[see-weed]

noun

1. any plant or plants growing in the ocean.

2. a marine alga.

seaweed

/ ˈsiːˌwiːd /

noun

1. any of numerous multicellular marine algae that grow on the seashore, in salt marshes, in brackish water, or submerged in the ocean

2. any of certain other plants that grow in or close to the sea

seaweed

1. Any of various red, green, or brown algae that live in ocean waters. Some species of seaweed are free-floating, while others are attached to the ocean bottom. Seaweed range from the size of a pinhead to having large fronds (such as those of many kelps) that can be as much as 30.5 m (100 ft) in length. Certain species are used for food (such as nori) and fertilizer, and others are harvested for carrageenan and other substances used as thickening, stabilizing, emulsifying, or suspending agents in industrial, pharmaceutical, and food products. Seaweed is also a natural source of the element iodine, which is otherwise found only in very small amounts.

2. See more at brown alga green alga red alga

Word History and Origins

Origin of seaweed¹

First recorded in 1570–80; sea + weed ¹

Example Sentences

I waded a long way out, til the bottom grew mucky and seaweed tickled my legs, then submerged.

From Los Angeles Times

They mostly graze on grass around the ruined houses, and also forage for seaweed.

From BBC

It said the site supported specialised communities of animals, seaweeds and the rare short-snouted seahorse.

From BBC

Onigiri is popular among customers who want grab-and-go meals as the rice balls are easy to carry - wrapped in nori or dried seaweed and filled with protein like tuna salad or cod eggs.

From BBC

It was depressing, that fake tuna, the best on the market but still a vaguely unsavory amalgam of fish paste and seaweed powder — nothing like the tuna she remembered.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• algae