spirulina

noun

spi·​ru·​lina ˌspir-ə-ˈlē-nə How to pronounce spirulina (audio)
ˌspir-ə-ˈlī-nə, 
ˌspī-rə-ˈlī-nə How to pronounce spirulina (audio)
: a microscopic filamentous aquatic cyanobacterium (genus Spirulina, especially S. platensis synonym Arthrospira platensis) that is sometimes cultivated for use as food and especially as a dietary supplement

Examples of spirulina in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The new colors include blends of beet juice for red, turmeric for yellow and a combination of turmeric, beet juice, and spirulina for green. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 There is no notable difference between spirulina in powder or pill form, so choose the delivery method that works best for your routine. — Christina Manian, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026 Salt & Stone deodorants sometimes use spirulina and lactobacillus ferment for prebiotics and other ingredients. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 10 July 2026 The Blue Coconut Refresher includes coconut, strawberry and açaí flavors, shaken with ice and blue spirulina. — Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spirulina

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from spirula small coil, diminutive of Latin spira coil

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spirulina was in 1846

Rhymes for spirulina

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Browse Nearby Words

spirulate
spirulina
Spirura
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Cite this Entry

“Spirulina.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spirulina. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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