toxoplasma
noun
toxo·plas·ma
ˌtäk-sə-ˈplaz-mə 
: any of a genus (Toxoplasma) of parasitic protozoans that are typically serious pathogens of vertebrates
Examples of toxoplasma in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The type of toxoplasma found in their bodies, known as COUG, was first discovered in Canadian mountain lions in 1995.
—
Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 24 Mar. 2023
And, in most cases, only young cats pass feces contaminated with toxoplasma eggs (oocysts).
—Star Tribune, 6 Nov. 2020
Of the students, 326 tested positive for toxoplasma.
—Mark Barna, Discover Magazine, 25 July 2018
Maybe toxoplasma and its host are still getting to know each other, which could be bad news for monk seals.
—Kim Steutermann Rogers, Smithsonian, 9 July 2018
Further, cats can pose a risk to public health by spreading diseases such as rabies and toxoplasma.
—National Geographic, 20 Sep. 2016
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Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 24 Mar. 2023
And, in most cases, only young cats pass feces contaminated with toxoplasma eggs (oocysts).
—Star Tribune, 6 Nov. 2020
Of the students, 326 tested positive for toxoplasma.
—Mark Barna, Discover Magazine, 25 July 2018
Maybe toxoplasma and its host are still getting to know each other, which could be bad news for monk seals.
—Kim Steutermann Rogers, Smithsonian, 9 July 2018
Further, cats can pose a risk to public health by spreading diseases such as rabies and toxoplasma.
—National Geographic, 20 Sep. 2016
Cite this Entry
“Toxoplasma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toxoplasma. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
toxoplasma
noun
toxo·plas·ma
ˌtäk-sə-ˈplaz-mə
1
capitalized
: a genus of sporozoans that are typically serious pathogens of vertebrates
2
plural toxoplasmas or toxoplasmata
-mət-ə
also toxoplasma
: any microorganism of the genus Toxoplasma
also toxoplasma
: any microorganism of the genus Toxoplasma
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