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chlorophyte

chlorophyte

9.9
A green plant that grows on wet rocks or wood and in still water
  • noun
  • /ˈklɔːrəˌfaɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : clorofita
  • Chlorophytes are commonly found growing on wet rocks in shaded areas of the forest.

Examples

  • In steep reaches, algal growth is present as sheets of the chlorophyte Prasiola on the underside of rocks.

    Academic text (1999)
  • The microbial communities present in the dry valley streams consist primarily of cyanobacteria, although chlorophytes and diatoms are also common.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Many ponds are home to various species of chlorophytes, providing essential nutrients to the ecosystem.

  • In stagnant water, chlorophytes can form green mats that cover the surface.

Synonyms

alga
vschlorophyte
66 5.8

A simple green living thing like seaweed that lives in water and makes food from light

is a specific subgroup member not any single simple organism
algae
vschlorophyte
4 3.6

A simple green plant that grows in water and has no roots, stems, or leaves

is a specific subgroup usually found on wet rocks and damp wood
green algae
vschlorophyte
3 3.0

A green living thing that grows on wet rocks, damp wood, or still water

is one specific member of that group found on wet rocks

Surface Forms

chlorophyte singular
chlorophytes plural

Morphology

chlorophyte = phyte (opaque) = chloro + phyte

The elements 'chloro-' and '-phyte' are specialized scientific combining forms unlikely to be recognized by an average B1 learner, so the meaning is not derivable.

Etymology

Chlorophyte comes from Greek parts chloro- meaning 'green' and -phyte meaning 'plant'. So a chlorophyte is literally a 'green plant', which fits because these are green algae that grow on wet rocks, damp wood, or in still water.