spirulina

[ spahy-ruh-lahy-nuh ]

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.

Origin of spirulina

1
First recorded in 1840–50; New Latin, equivalent to spīrul(a) “small coil” + -īna (adjective suffix); so called from their corkscrew shape; see spiral, -ina2, -ule,

Words Nearby spirulina

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use spirulina in a sentence

  • spirulina is often found growing with Oscillaria, and forms purple patches on wharves.

    The Sea-beach at Ebb-tide | Augusta Foote Arnold
  • In spirulina the filaments are spirally twisted like a corkscrew and also have a vibrating movement.

    The Sea-beach at Ebb-tide | Augusta Foote Arnold

British Dictionary definitions for spirulina

spirulina

/ (ˌspɪrʊˈlaɪnə, -ˈliːnə) /


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

Origin of spirulina

1
from New Latin spirula small spiral

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012