Definition

A type of yellow-green algae that lives inside the cells of other organisms, like corals, helping them to grow and survive.

Example

Zooxanthellae are essential for the health of coral reefs, providing them with energy through photosynthesis.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of zooxanthella?

Yeah, I think they're those tiny algae that live in corals, right?

Exactly! They help corals by providing them with energy through photosynthesis.

That's so cool! I didn't know they were so important for coral reefs.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Zooxanthella is formed from "zoo-" (from Greek "zōion", meaning animal) and "xanthella" (from Greek "xanthos", meaning yellow, and "ella", a diminutive suffix). The term refers to a small, yellowish organism that lives in symbiosis with coral and other marine animals, highlighting its animal-like nature and color.

Memory Tip

Think of 'animal' ('zoo-') and 'yellow' ('xanthos') to remember that a zooxanthella is a small, yellow organism that lives with animals like coral.

Visually Confused Words