plasmodium

plas·mo·di·um

noun \plaz-ˈmō-dē-əm\

plural -dia \-dē-ə\

Definition of PLASMODIUM

1

a : a motile multinucleate mass of protoplasm resulting from fusion of uninucleate amoeboid cells; also : an organism (as a stage of a slime mold) that consists of such a structure

b : syncytium 1

2

: a sporozoan parasite (genus Plasmodium) that is the causative agent of malaria

Origin of PLASMODIUM

New Latin, from plasm- + -odium thing resembling, from Greek -ōdēs like

First Known Use: 1875

plas·mo·di·um

noun \plaz-ˈmōd-ē-əm\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of PLASMODIUM

1

plural ; -dia \-dē-ə\ (audio pronunciation) a : a motile multinucleate mass of protoplasm resulting from fusion of uninucleate ameboid cells; also : an organism (as a stage of a slime mold) that consists of such a structure b : syncytium 1

2

a capitalized : the type genus of the family Plasmodiidae of sporozoans that includes all the malaria parasites affecting humans b plural ; -dia : any individual malaria parasite

plasmodium

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of the parasitic protozoans that make up the genus Plasmodium, the cause of malaria. Infecting red blood cells in mammals, birds, and reptiles, plasmodia occur worldwide, especially in tropical and temperate zones. They are transmitted to humans by the bite of the Anopheles mosquito. From the bloodstream, young plasmodia enter liver cells, where they divide and form an adult stage that is then released back into the bloodstream and infects red blood cells. Rapid division of the parasites results in the destruction of the red blood cells, which release toxins that cause the periodic chill and fever cycles typical of malaria.