Phaeodactylum tricornutum
1
9.9
- noun
- Specialized
- The genome of Phaeodactylum tricornutum has been sequenced to better understand its cellular processes.
Examples
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Scientists often use Phaeodactylum tricornutum to study photosynthesis in marine environments.
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The Phaeodactylum tricornutum cultures were thriving in the lab.
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Research on Phaeodactylum tricornutum helps reveal how diatoms adapt to changing ocean conditions.
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Researchers are studying Phaeodactylum tricornutum for its unique photosynthetic abilities.
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Scientists often use Phaeodactylum tricornutum to study photosynthesis in marine environments.
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The genome of Phaeodactylum tricornutum has been sequenced to better understand its cellular processes.
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Research on Phaeodactylum tricornutum helps reveal how diatoms adapt to changing ocean conditions.
Synonyms
5
8.8
A very small one-celled living thing in water with a glass-like shell
1
8.1
A very small living thing like a water plant that you can only see with a microscope
Surface Forms
Morphology
Phaeodactylum + tricornutum
This is a Latin binomial taxonomic name functioning as a proper noun for a specific microalga; its meaning (a particular species used in aquaculture) is an arbitrary label rather than a compositional phrase. The constituent strings are non‑English/unknown morphemes and do not provide a transparent, predictable clue that a B1 learner could use to infer the species identity or its use, so the expression is opaque.
Etymology
Phaeodactylum tricornutum gets its name from old Greek parts: phaeo 'dark', dactylum 'finger' and tricornutum 'three-horned', because under a microscope the tiny algae can look dark and have finger-like or three-point shapes. So the name gives a clear picture of this small sea alga that scientists study in the lab.