spirulina
Americannoun
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Microbiology. any of three species of the cyanobacteria genus Arthrospira, especially A. platensis, which is widely cultivated as a dietary supplement.
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the dietary supplement itself, which is a source of protein, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Add a spoonful of powdered spirulina to your morning smoothie.
noun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Algae grown in freshwater treatments, such as spirulina, is being used in health supplements and cosmetics.
From Science Daily • Oct. 25, 2023
FDA approved a crude extract from algae, called spirulina, in 2014 and an extract from the flowers of the butterfly pea in 2021.
From Science Magazine • Jun. 14, 2023
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
