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

/ sē′wēd′ /

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of seaweed¹

First recorded in 1570–80; sea + weed ¹

Example Sentences

This is the first study to test seaweed on grazing beef cattle in the world.

From Science Daily

I then fed my dog kibble containing seaweed extract that most likely came from China and fish oil that was probably from Peru.

From Science Magazine

When large swathes of invasive seaweed started washing up on Caribbean beaches in 2011, local residents were perplexed.

From BBC

I've been eating a lot of roasted seaweed, dark toasted pretzels and a lot of kimchi.

From Salon

Water quickly overwhelmed the beachside bar where she works - the Bridge Tender Inn Dockside & Tiki Bar - with waves splashing the sign and chunks of seaweed clumped near tables.

From BBC

Related Words

• algae