plural amoebas or amoebae also amebas or amebaeə-ˈmē-(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
amoebicadjective
or less commonly amebic
ə-ˈmē-bik
Illustration of amoeba
1 pseudopodium
2 nucleus
3 contractile vacuole
4 food vacuole
Examples of amoeba in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebMy fellow sleepy interns and I then amble towards the hospital together like an amoeba.—Bon Appétit Contributor, Bon Appétit, 18 Apr. 2024 An amoeba probably doesn’t have it; a squirrel likely has some.—Craig S. Smith, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The amoeba primarily causes two types of dangerous infections: Acanthamoeba keratitis, and Granulomatous Encephalitis.—Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 Research also has indicated the amoeba is common in tap water.—CBS News, 13 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for amoeba
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'amoeba.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, genus name, from Greek amoibē change, from ameibein to change — more at migrate
: any of a large genus of protozoans that have no permanent cell organs or structures, that change shape to form temporary lobes for moving and taking in food, and that are widespread in fresh and salt water and in moist soils
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 also amebas or amebae: a protozoan of the genus Amoeba
broadly: an amoeboid protozoan (as a naked rhizopod)
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