peridinian Biol.
(pɛrɪˈdɪnɪən)
Also peridinean, peridiniean.
[f. mod.L. generic name Peridinium (C. G. Ehrenberg Organisation, Systematik und geographisches Verhältniss der Infusionsthierchen (1832) ii. 74/2), f. Gr. περιδῑνής whirled round: see -an.]
A dinoflagellate, usually from a marine habitat, belonging to the order Peridinales. Also attrib. or as adj.
| 1912 Murray & Hjort Depths of Ocean x. 674 Among plants the peridineans..are noted for their power of emitting light. 1928 Russell & Yonge Seas i. 25 The Peridinians..can be considered either plants or animals as they have certain characteristics of both. 1935 F. E. Fritsch Struct. & Reprod. Algae I. 664 The Peridiniean flora of warmer zones..differs very markedly from that of colder seas. 1963 D. W. & E. E. Humphries tr. Termier's Erosion & Sedimentation xi. 236 Most of the flagellates giving rise to ‘waterbloom’ are Peridineans. 1976 P. Bougis Marine Plankton Ecol. i. 11 Generally, a peridinian has chlorophyll and is autotrophic. Ibid. 12 Noctiluca is now placed in the Peridiniales... Its spores are of the peridinian type. |