navicula

noun

na·​vic·​u·​la
nəˈvikyələ
1
plural -s : an incense boat
2
a
capitalized : a very large genus (the type of the family Naviculaceae) of diatoms having a lanceolate or boat-shaped usually free-floating frustule covered with minute striae
b
-s : a plant of the genus Navicula

Word History

Etymology

in sense 1, from Medieval Latin, from Latin, small ship, diminutive of Latin navis ship; in sense 2, New Latin, from Latin

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Dictionary Entries Near navicula

Cite this Entry

“Navicula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/navicula. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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