Gloeocapsa

noun

Gloe·​o·​cap·​sa
ˌglēōˈkapsə
: a genus of unicellular blue-green algae (family Chroococcaceae) inhabiting both fresh and salt water, colonies of some species forming a characteristic dull bluish green film on damp soil (as in tropical greenhouses)

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from gloeo- + Latin capsa case (box)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Gloeocapsa

gloeo-

Gloeocapsa

Gloeodinium

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Gloeocapsa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Gloeocapsa. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

Copy Citation

Share

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of lachrymose

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Commonly Confused Words Quiz

  • vector image of a face with thought expression
  • I went to the ______ store to buy a birthday card.
Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games