Algae vs. Plants — What's the Difference?

Algae (; singular alga ) is an informal term for a large and diverse group of photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms. It is a polyphyletic grouping that includes species from multiple distinct clades.

Any of various photosynthetic, eukaryotic, multicellular organisms of the kingdom Plantae characteristically containing chloroplasts, having cell walls made of cellulose, producing embryos, and lacking the power of locomotion. Plants include trees, bushes, herbs, ferns, mosses, and certain green algae.

Any of numerous photosynthetic organisms of aquatic or moist habitats, ranging in size from single-celled diatoms to large seaweeds such as kelp, and characterized by a lack of complex organs and tissues. Once classified within the plant kingdom, the algae are now considered to include several unrelated groups belonging to different kingdoms.

A plant having no permanent woody stem; an herb.

Algal organisms viewed collectively or as a mass; algal growth.

Any of various fungi, algae, or protists that resemble plants and were formerly classified in the plant kingdom. Not in scientific use.

(countable) A particular kind of algae.

A building or group of buildings for the manufacture of a product; a factory

Plural of alga.

The buildings, fixtures, and equipment, including machinery, tools, and instruments, necessary for an industrial operation or an institution

Primitive chlorophyll-containing mainly aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking true stems and roots and leaves

A person placed in a group of spectators to influence behavior.

A person stationed in a given location as a spy or observer.

A misleading piece of evidence placed so as to be discovered.

A remark or action in a play or narrative that becomes important later.

(Slang) A scheming trick; a swindle.

To place or set (seeds, for example) in the ground to grow.

To place seeds or young plants in (land); sow

To place (spawn or young fish) in water or an underwater bed for cultivation

To stock with spawn or fish.

To introduce (an animal) into an area.

To place or fix in a certain position

To deliver (a punch or blow).

To fix firmly in the mind; implant

To establish; found

To station (a person) for the purpose of functioning in secret, as by observing, spying, or influencing behavior

To place secretly or deceptively so as to be discovered or made public

To conceal; hide

Plural of plant