Alga
/ˈælɡə/noun
A simple, typically aquatic photosynthetic organism, ranging from microscopic forms to seaweeds.
Did you know?The word entered English through scientific Latin, and its deep-rooted relatives include the ancient plant-name source behind words like alder and even elite botanical names such as Alnus.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂el-
“A root associated with reddish-brown or dark coloration, reflected in some tree names.”
Latin
Latin
alga
“Seaweed or wrack; aquatic plant matter.”
Late Latin
Latin
algā
“Seaweed, especially marine growth washed ashore.”
16th Century
English
alga
“A Latin scientific term adopted in botany for seaweed.”
Modern English
English
alga
“Any of various simple photosynthetic organisms, especially aquatic forms.”