Dinoflagellata

/ˌdaɪnoʊflədʒɛˈleɪtə/ noun

Definition

A group of single-celled marine organisms with whip-like tails that can cause bioluminescent glows in the ocean.

Etymology

From Greek 'dino-' (terrible/whirling) + Latin 'flagellum' (whip) + Latin '-ata' (characterized by). Named in the 1800s for the spinning, whip-like movement of these plankton.

Kelly Says

Dinoflagellates are the organisms responsible for 'red tides' and mysterious glowing water at night—when you see bioluminescent waves, you're watching billions of these tiny creatures produce their own light!

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