spirulina

[ spahy-ruh-lahy-nuh ]

/ ˌspaɪ rəˈlaɪ nə /

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noun

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

the dietary supplement itself, which is a source of protein, vitamins, and antioxidants: Add a spoonful of powdered spirulina to your morning smoothie.

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Origin of spirulina

First recorded in 1840–50; New Latin, equivalent to spīrul(a) “small coil” + -īna (adjective suffix); so called from their corkscrew shape; see spiral, -ina², -ule,

Words nearby spirulina

spirometer, spironolactone, spiroplasma, spirt, spirula, spirulina, spiruroid, Spiruroidea, spiry, spissatus, spissitude

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use spirulina in a sentence

Spirulina is often found growing with Oscillaria, and forms purple patches on wharves.
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tide|Augusta Foote Arnold
In Spirulina the filaments are spirally twisted like a corkscrew and also have a vibrating movement.
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tide|Augusta Foote Arnold

British Dictionary definitions for spirulina

spirulina

/ (ˌspɪrʊˈlaɪnə, -ˈliːnə) /

noun

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

Word Origin for spirulina

from New Latin spirula small spiral

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012