spirulina

noun

spi·​ru·​lina ˌspir-ə-ˈlē-nə How to pronounce spirulina (audio)
ˌspir-ə-ˈlī-nə, 
ˌspī-rə-ˈlī-nə How to pronounce spirulina (audio)
: a microscopic filamentous aquatic cyanobacterium (genus Spirulina, especially S. platensis synonym Arthrospira platensis) that is sometimes cultivated for use as food and especially as a dietary supplement

Examples of spirulina in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Made with chlorella and spirulina, this mask is the ultimate detox. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 18 June 2026 Each color is natural, thanks to vegetable juice, spirulina, and annatto extract. — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 28 May 2026 Add some patriotic flair to the party with this confection that comes in an iconic red, white, and blue color scheme derived from vegetable juice, spirulina, and annatto extract. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 23 June 2026 The Blue Coconut Refresher includes coconut, strawberry and açaí flavors, shaken with ice and blue spirulina. — Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spirulina

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from spirula small coil, diminutive of Latin spira coil

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spirulina was in 1846

Rhymes for spirulina

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Browse Nearby Words

spirulate
spirulina
Spirura
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spirulina.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spirulina. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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