: any of a division (Rhodophyta) of chiefly marine algae that have predominantly red pigmentation
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebCryptophytes are the result of a merger between two organisms: a red alga that was engulfed by another unknown eukaryote (an organism with cells that contain enclosed nuclei). Viviane Callier, Smithsonian, 23 Oct. 2019
Word History
First Known Use
1834, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
red alga
noun
: any of a division (Rhodophyta) of chiefly marine algae that have predominantly red pigmentation