A genus of diatoms (single-celled algae) with distinctive bilateral symmetry and linear structures, commonly found in freshwater environments.
From 'amphi-' (both) + Greek 'pleura' (side/rib). Named to describe the organism's bilateral symmetrical sides, first formally classified in 19th-century microscopy.
Under a microscope, Amphipleura diatoms look like tiny glass sculptures with perfect mirror symmetry—they're so precise that scientists once used them to calibrate microscopes because of their perfectly regular striations.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.