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Cyanobacteria - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic bacteria, often called blue-green algae, that produce oxygen and live in water or moist environments. They play a key role in Earth's ecosystems.

cyanobacteria

/ˌsaɪənoʊbækˈtɪriə/ /ˌsaɪənəʊbækˈtɪərɪə/

Definition:

Photosynthetic bacteria found in water, producing oxygen and sometimes forming harmful algal blooms.

Synonyms:

blue-green algae, cyanophyta, cyanoprokaryotes

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

(No direct antonyms; contextually) heterotrophic bacteria, non-photosynthetic organisms

Common Collocations:

harmful cyanobacteria, cyanobacteria blooms, marine cyanobacteria, freshwater cyanobacteria, nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria

Derivatives:

cyanobacterial, cyanobacterium

Usage Tips:

Use "cyanobacteria" when referring to the photosynthetic microorganisms; avoid calling them algae despite their colloquial name "blue-green algae."

Common Phrases:

(No common phrases or idioms)

Etymology:

From Greek *kyanos* (blue) + *bakterion* (small rod), referring to their blue-green pigmentation and bacterial nature.

Examples:

  • 1. Cyanobacteria thrive in warm freshwater lakes.
  • 2. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins harmful to aquatic life.
  • 3. Scientists study ancient cyanobacteria to understand early Earth's atmosphere.
  • 4. Cyanobacteria blooms can turn water green and murky.

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