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Glite Dictionary
trichodesmium

trichodesmium

9.9
Tiny ocean bacteria that form large floating groups and give nitrogen to other sea life
  • noun
  • /ˌtrɪkəˈdɛsmiəm/
  • Specialized
: trichodesmium
  • Large colonies of trichodesmium contribute significantly to primary production in nutrient-poor waters.

Examples

  • Marine biologists study trichodesmium to better understand oceanic nitrogen cycles.

  • Trichodesmium blooms can sometimes be seen floating on the surface of tropical oceans.

  • The trichodesmium blooms can be seen in tropical waters.

  • Many scientists study trichodesmium for its role in nitrogen fixation.

  • Trichodesmium blooms can sometimes be seen floating on the surface of tropical oceans.

  • Large colonies of trichodesmium contribute significantly to primary production in nutrient-poor waters.

  • Marine biologists study trichodesmium to better understand oceanic nitrogen cycles.

Surface Forms

trichodesmium singular
trichodesmiums plural

Etymology

Trichodesmium comes from Greek parts tricho- ('hair') and -desmion ('bundle' or 'band'), so the name means 'hair-bundle'. These are tiny sea bacteria that form long, hair-like chains or bundles on the ocean surface, so the word helps you picture their look and role in the sea.