Definition of amoeba
amoebas
oramoebae
play \-(ˌ)bē\: 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
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Recent Examples of amoeba from the Web
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Despite the oceanic source, the virus grew nicely in fresh water amoebae.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'amoeba'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of amoeba
Origin and Etymology of amoeba
New Latin, genus name, from Greek amoibē change, from ameibein to change — more at migrate
AMOEBA Defined for English Language Learners
amoeba
playDefinition of amoeba for English Language Learners
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: a tiny living thing that consists of a single cell
AMOEBA Defined for Kids
amoeba
playDefinition of amoeba for Students
amoebas
oramoebae
\-bē\: a tiny water animal that is a single cell which flows about and takes in food
Medical Dictionary
amoeba
Medical Definition of amoeba
1 capitalized : a large genus of naked rhizopod protozoans that have lobed and never anastomosing pseudopodia and are widely distributed in fresh and salt water and moist terrestrial environments
2 also ameba plural amoebas or amoebae \-(ˌ)bē\ play : a protozoan of the genus Amoeba; broadly : an amoeboid protozoan (as a naked rhizopod)
Illustration of amoeba
Learn More about amoeba
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See words that rhyme with amoeba Spanish Central: Translation of amoeba Nglish: Translation of amoeba for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about amoeba
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