sporozoan

noun

spo·​ro·​zo·​an ˌspȯr-ə-ˈzō-ən How to pronounce sporozoan (audio)
: any of a large class (Sporozoa) of strictly parasitic nonmotile protozoans that have a complex life cycle usually involving both asexual and sexual generations often in different hosts and include important pathogens (such as malaria parasites and babesias)
sporozoan adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Sporozoa, from spor- + -zoa

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sporozoan was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near sporozoan

Cite this Entry

“Sporozoan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sporozoan. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sporozoan

noun
spo·​ro·​zo·​an ˌspōr-ə-ˈzō-ən How to pronounce sporozoan (audio)
ˌspȯr-
: any of a large group of parasitic one-celled animals (as the parasites that cause malaria) that have a complicated life cycle usually involving both asexual and sexual generations often in different hosts
sporozoan adjective

Medical Definition

sporozoan

noun
spo·​ro·​zo·​an ˌspōr-ə-ˈzō-ən, ˌspȯr- How to pronounce sporozoan (audio)
: any protozoan of the class Sporozoa
sporozoan adjective

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