First Known Use: 1990
Dictionary
archaea
noun plural ar·chaea \är-ˈkē-ə\
Definition of ARCHAEA
: microorganisms of a domain (Archaea) including especially methane-producing forms, some red halophilic forms, and others of harsh hot acidic environments (as a hot spring) — compare bacterium, eukaryote
— ar·chae·al \-əl\ adjective
— ar·chae·an \-ən\ adjective or noun
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Origin of ARCHAEA
New Latin, from Greek archaios
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