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cyanobacteria

cyanobacteria
Noun

This term describes a specific group of photosynthetic prokaryotes often referred to as blue-green algae, though they are taxonomically bacteria. In scientific discourse, the word carries a neutral biological connotation, but in environmental contexts, it frequently evokes negative imagery associated with toxic blooms and water contamination.

Grammatically, this noun is a plural form derived from the Latin and Greek roots. Because it is the plural of cyanobacterium, it is treated as a plural noun in English; it does not take an additional s to form a plural and requires plural verb agreement (e.g., cyanobacteria are, not cyanobacteria is).

Meanings

Nouncyanobacteria

Photosynthetic bacteria that contain chlorophyll a and phycobilins, often forming colonies or filaments and capable of producing oxygen.

The lake was contaminated by a massive bloom of cyanobacteria.

Examples

These are cyanobacteria.

Cyanobacteria are blue-green.

Look at the cyanobacteria.

The water has cyanobacteria.

Cyanobacteria grew in the pond.

We found some cyanobacteria here.

The biology teacher explained cyanobacteria.

School Life

Avoid swimming where cyanobacteria bloom.

Health

The lake turned green from cyanobacteria.

Travel

Early Earth was shaped by cyanobacteria.

History

Cyanobacteria are key to oxygenation theories.

Trivia

Research funding focuses on toxic cyanobacteria.

Business

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Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error