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Glite Dictionary
genus Sargassum

genus Sargassum

9.1
A brown seaweed that often floats in large mats on the ocean surface
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs sɑrˈɡæsəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Sargassum
  • The genus Sargassum includes both free-floating and attached species of brown algae.

Examples

  • Several species within the genus Sargassum create large floating mats in the Sargasso Sea.

  • The genus Sargassum includes many species of floating seaweed.

  • Researchers are studying the ecological impact of the genus Sargassum on coastal communities.

  • Did you know that genus Sargassum can grow in large mats?

  • The genus Sargassum is vital to marine ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various marine species.

  • In tropical waters, the genus Sargassum is often found forming extensive floating mats that can affect local fisheries.

  • Marine biologists have identified over 200 species within the genus Sargassum, each adapted to its unique environment.

Synonyms

sargassum
vsgenus Sargassum
1 9.9

Brown seaweed with small air bubbles that forms large floating mats

is the formal scientific name for that brown seaweed group
sargasso
vsgenus Sargassum
1 9.9

Brown seaweed that floats in large mats on the ocean surface

is the formal scientific name focusing on the whole group
sargasso weed
vsgenus Sargassum
9.5

A brown seaweed that floats in the open ocean and forms large patches

is the formal scientific name rather than the informal label

Surface Forms

genus Sargassum singular
genera Sargassum plural

Morphology

genus + sargassum

The meaning is directly compositional: 'genus' (a biological rank) combined with 'Sargassum' (a brown seaweed) yields the taxonomic group containing Sargassum species. The 'genus X' pattern is a standard, cross-linguistic scientific construction, so a learner who knows both words can readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Genus Sargassum may come from an old Portuguese word for 'seaweed'. People used Sargassum for the brown seaweed that often floats in large mats, like the famous 'Sargasso Sea', so today the name refers to this group of floating brown seaweeds.