amoeba

amoe·ba

noun \ə-ˈmē-bə\

plural amoe·bas or amoe·bae\-(ˌ)bē\

Definition of AMOEBA

: any of a large genus (Amoeba) of naked rhizopod protozoans with lobed and never anastomosing pseudopodia, without permanent organelles or supporting structures, and of wide distribution in fresh and salt water and moist terrestrial environments; broadly : a naked rhizopod or other amoeboid protozoan

— amoe·bic also amebic \-bik\ adjective

Variants of AMOEBA

amoe·ba also ame·ba \ə-ˈmē-bə\

Illustration of AMOEBA

Origin of AMOEBA

New Latin, genus name, from Greek amoibē change, from ameibein to change — more at migrate

First Known Use: 1855

Rhymes with AMOEBA

Beersheba, Bourguiba, zareba