'cyanobacteria' definitions:
Definition of 'cyanobacteria'
From: WordNet
noun
Predominantly photosynthetic prokaryotic organisms containing a blue pigment in addition to chlorophyll; occur singly or in colonies in diverse habitats; important as phytoplankton [syn: cyanobacteria, blue-green algae]
Definition of 'cyanobacteria'
From: GCIDE
- blue-green alga \blue"-green al"ga\ pl. {blue"-green al"gae} [from the color and resemblance to algae.] any of a group of photosynthetic microorganisms possessing characteristics of both bacteria and plants. When classed as bacteria, they are assigned to the Cyanobacteria; when classed as plants, they are assigned to the Cyanophyta. They are now known to be prokaryotic, and are usually called cyanobacteria in technical contexts. See cyanobacterium. [PJC]
Definition of 'cyanobacteria'
From: GCIDE
- cyanobacterium \cyanobacterium\ pl. cyanobacteria \cyanobacteria\ [from the pigment phycocyanin.] any of a group of photosynthetic autotrophic prokaryotic microorganisms possessing characteristics of both bacteria and plants. When classed as bacteria, they are assigned to the Cyanobacteria; when classed as plants, they are assigned to the Cyanophyta. They were earlier named {blue-green algae}, a term less used now in technical discussions. Since the chlorophyll within the cyanobacteria is diffused throughout the cell, rather than being contained in chloroplasts, they are no longer thought of as true plants. [PJC]