spirulina

American  

[spahy-ruh-lahy-nuh] / ˌspaɪ rəˈlaɪ nə /

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.

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spirulina British  

/ ˌspɪrʊˈlaɪnə, -ˈliːnə /

noun

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

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Etymology

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, -ina ², -ule,

Example Sentences

Expect to see more turmeric and spirulina extracts and “fruit and vegetable juice” listed on your candy wrappers in the next few years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

Their vibrant colors are also achieved using fruit juice and spirulina extract, not artificial food dyes.

From Salon • Oct. 21, 2025

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.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2025

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.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 12, 2024

Cyanobacteria such as spirulina are already grown industrially in several countries -- mostly for health foods.

From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2024