zooxanthella

noun zo·o·xan·thel·la \ˌzō-ə-zan-ˈthe-lə\

plural zo·o·xan·thel·lae\-(ˌ)lē\

Definition of ZOOXANTHELLA

: any of various symbiotic dinoflagellates that live within the cells of other organisms (as reef-building coral polyps)

New Latin, from zo- + xanth- + -ella (diminutive suffix)

First Known Use: circa 1891

Next Word in the Dictionary: zoozooPrevious Word in the Dictionary: zootypeAll Words Near: zooxanthella

What made you want to look up zooxanthella? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears