'plasmodium' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'plasma,' where 'plasma' meant 'mold' or 'form.'

'plasma' transformed into the New Latin word 'plasmodium,' and eventually became the modern English word 'plasmodium.'

Initially, it referred to a 'mold' or 'form,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a 'genus of parasitic protozoa.'