Archaea
|ar-kee-uh|
🇺🇸
/ɑrˈkiːə/
🇬🇧
/ɑːˈkiːə/
ancient microbes
Etymology
'Archaea' originates from New Latin, ultimately from Ancient Greek 'arkhaios' (ἀρχαῖος), where the root 'arkh-' meant 'beginning' or 'original' and the adjective meant 'ancient'.
'Archaea' was introduced in scientific Latin (New Latin) as the plural of 'archaeon' and was adopted into English taxonomy in the 20th century (the term and concept were refined by microbiologists such as Carl Woese). It derives from Greek 'arkhaîos' meaning 'ancient', via New Latin usage.
Initially the Greek root implied 'ancient' or 'primitive ones'; over time the term came to denote a distinct domain of life rather than simply 'ancient organisms'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a major domain of single-celled microorganisms that are genetically distinct from Bacteria and Eukarya; often found in extreme environments but also widespread in ordinary habitats.
Archaea include many species that thrive in hot springs and highly salty lakes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
members of the domain Archaea; an individual organism of that group (plural form 'Archaea' often used collectively).
Many Archaea produce unique biochemicals not found in bacteria.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/28 10:52