A genus of green algae, typically found in freshwater and characterized by unbranched filaments.
From Latin conferva (scum, pond weed). The term was applied to these algae by early taxonomists who observed their appearance in water.
Conferva was one of the first microscopic organisms studied—when early naturalists saw it magnified, it seemed almost alien, and the name stuck for centuries.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.