spirulina

[spahy-ruh-lahy-nuh]

noun

1. Microbiology.,  any of three species of the cyanobacteria genus Arthrospira, especially A. platensis, which is widely cultivated as a dietary supplement.

2. the dietary supplement itself, which is a source of protein, vitamins, and antioxidants.

   Add a spoonful of powdered spirulina to your morning smoothie.

spirulina

/ ˌspɪrʊˈlaɪnə, -ˈliːnə /

noun

1. any filamentous cyanobacterium of the genus Spirulina : processed as a valuable source of proteins and other nutrients

Word History and Origins

Origin of spirulina¹

First recorded in 1840–50; New Latin, equivalent to spīrul(a) “small coil” + -īna (adjective suffix); so called from their corkscrew shape; spiral, -ina ², -ule,

Word History and Origins

Origin of spirulina¹

from New Latin spirula small spiral

Example Sentences

A colorful and refreshing sweet treat, TJ’s Watermelon Freeze Dried Candies are made with spirulina, paprika, vegetable juice, turmeric and fruit juice.

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Instead the processed algae is an ingredient for everyday foods, and in Reykjavik one bakery makes bread with Spirulina and a gym puts it in smoothies.

Read more on BBC

When dried out it's know as spirulina and is used as a dietary supplements, a food ingredients, and as a bright-blue food colouring.

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In the Blue Bayou, blue spirulina adds a depth of flavor unattainable by any other means.

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In tropical places such as Kenya, sunshine throughout the year helps microscopic photosynthesizers thrive, and the water’s high salinity and pH favors the growth of spirulina, a cyanobacterium that is the lesser flamingo’s primary food.

Read more on Science Magazine