algae, n. plural (singular: alga) a group of plants, varying from one-cell to complex multicellular structures perhaps 150 feet long, containing chlorophyll and other photosynthetic pigments (especially red and brown), and having no true rot, stem, or leaf. Algae are found in any habitat that will support life, especially in water and damp places, and include seaweeds, pond scum, diatoms, etc.

binomial nomenclature (or system) the scientific system of giving a doube name to each plant and animals, consisting of the name of the genus followed by that of the species.

etymology, n. the origin and development of a word; the tracing of a word back as far as possible in its own language and to its source in contemporary or earlier languages.

generic, adj. 1. of, applied to, or referring to a whole kind, or group; inclusive or general. 2. that is not a trademark. 3. of or characteristic of a genus.

genus, n. (plural: genera, genuses) a classification of plants or animals with common distinguishing characteristics: a genus is the main subdivision of a family and is made up of a small group of closely related species or of a single species.

limu, n. a general Hawaiian name for all kinds of plants living under water, both fresh and salt, also algae growing in any damp place in the air, on the ground, on rocks, and on other plants; also some mosses, liverworts, lichens. Generally applied to edible seaweeds.

seaweed, n. any large alga or algae that grows in the sea.

species, n. (plural: species) the fundamental biological classification, comprising a subdivision of a genus and consisting of a number of plants or animals all of which have a high degree of similarity, can generally interbreed only among themselves, and show persistent differences from members of allied species.

specific, adj. 1. limiting or limited; specifying or specified; precise, definite; explicit 2. of or constituting a species. 3. peculiar to or characteristic of something. 4. of a special, or particular, sort of kind.

type specimen, n. the single organism designated as the one on which the original description and name of a taxon has been based. Also, type genus or type species.