protozoa
|pro-to-zo-a|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌproʊtəˈzoʊə/
🇬🇧
/ˌprəʊtəˈzəʊə/
single-celled organism
Etymology
Etymology Information
'protozoa' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'protozoon,' where 'proto-' meant 'first' and 'zoon' meant 'animal.'
Historical Evolution
'protozoon' transformed into the modern English word 'protozoa' through Latin.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'first animal,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'single-celled organism.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
single-celled microscopic organisms that can be free-living or parasitic, which feed on organic matter such as other microorganisms or organic tissues and debris.
Protozoa are often found in water and soil environments.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/29 02:13