spirogyra

1 9.9

A green water plant that forms long spiral threads in ponds

noun
/ˌspaɪrəˈɡaɪrə/

Specialized

: espirogyra

Under the microscope, the spirogyra exhibited elegant spiral chlorophyll bands that are characteristic of this genus.

Examples

The pond was filled with spirogyra, which created a lush green carpet on the water's surface.
In biology class, we studied spirogyra for its unique filamentous structure and its role in freshwater ecosystems.
Entomologists also noted a strong larval association with spirogyra algae (18, 21, 26).

Academic text (2012)
We will start with single cell organisms and we will progress through the animal kingdom focusing on the reproductive cycles of spirogyra, flatworms, squids, cats and man.

Joy of Sex (1984)

Surface Forms

spirogyra singular

spirogyrae plural

Morphology

spirogyra = spiro + gyra

This is a Latinized scientific coinage built from classical elements meaning roughly 'spiral' and 'circle', but the form is not transparently analysable for an average English learner.

Etymology

Spirogyra comes from old Greek roots speira ('coil') and gyros ('circle'). So the name fits: this algae grows as long threads with green bands that twist in a spiral, which is why scientists call it spirogyra.