algae
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for algae, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Simple, mostly aquatic plant-like organisms that photosynthesize, ranging from single-celled forms to seaweed.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use algae
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “algae” mean?
The word “algae” means simple, mostly aquatic plant-like organisms that photosynthesize, ranging from single-celled forms to seaweed. In plain terms, a broad group of simple water-dwelling organisms, from microscopic pond scum to giant kelp.
How do you pronounce “algae”?
“Algae” is pronounced AL-gee (/ˈæl.d͡ʒi/ in IPA).
How do you use “algae” in a sentence?
Here is “algae” used in a sentence: “Green algae covered the surface of the pond by midsummer.”
What part of speech is “algae”?
“Algae” is a noun.
Is “algae” a common word?
“Algae” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Is "algae" singular or plural?
"Algae" is technically the plural form, with "alga" as the singular, though in everyday English "algae" is often used as a mass noun for the group as a whole. Most speakers treat "algae" as a collective term rather than distinguishing singular and plural forms strictly.
Are algae considered plants?
Algae are plant-like organisms that photosynthesize like plants, but they are not classified as true plants in strict scientific terms. They range from single-celled forms to large seaweeds, and their classification is more varied than that of typical land plants.
What is the difference between algae and seaweed?
Seaweed is a common name for larger, multicellular forms of algae that grow in oceans, while "algae" is the broader term covering everything from microscopic single-celled organisms to seaweed. In other words, all seaweed is algae, but not all algae is seaweed.