Cymbella

/sɪmˈbɛlə/ noun

Definition

A small or delicate cymbal, or a small boat-shaped object; sometimes refers to a boat-shaped diatom (single-celled algae).

Etymology

From Latin cymbella, a diminutive form of cymba (boat). The -ella suffix is a standard Latin diminutive indicating something smaller or more delicate than the base word.

Kelly Says

Scientists named tiny diatoms after boats because under a microscope, these algae are literally boat-shaped and seem to float through water—a perfect example of nature mirroring human design!

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