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Archae-

1. unicellular microorganisms that are genetically distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes, and often thriving in extreme environmental conditions

2. one in the three-domain system (the other are Bacteria and Eukaryota) which includes halophiles (microorganisms that may inhabit extremely salty environments), methanogens (microorganisms that produce methane), and thermophiles (microorganisms that can thrive extremely hot environments)

Word origin: New Latin, from Greek arkhaion, neuter singular of arkhaios, ancient