Dictionary
amoeba
noun amoe·ba \ə-ˈmē-bə\
: a tiny living thing that consists of a single cell
plural amoe·bas or amoe·bae\-(ˌ)bē\
Full Definition of AMOEBA
: 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
— amoe·bic also amebic \-bik\ adjective
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Variants of AMOEBA
amoe·ba also ame·ba \ə-ˈmē-bə\
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Illustration of AMOEBA
Origin of AMOEBA
New Latin, genus name, from Greek amoibē change, from ameibein to change — more at migrate
First Known Use: 1855
AMOEBA Defined for Kids
amoeba
noun amoe·ba \ə-ˈmē-bə\
plural amoe·bas or amoe·bae \-bē\
Definition of AMOEBA for Kids
: a tiny water animal that is a single cell which flows about and takes in food
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