Amoeba - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An amoeba is a single-celled organism that moves and feeds using temporary extensions called pseudopods. It lives in water, soil, and some animals, often studied in biology for its simple structure.
Definition:
A microscopic single-celled organism with a constantly changing shape, found in water and soil.
Synonyms:
protozoan, microorganism, paramecium
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
multicellular organism, complex organism
Common Collocations:
amoeba moves, amoeba divides, amoeba engulfs
Derivatives:
amoebic, amoeboid
Usage Tips:
Use "amoeba" when referring to simple unicellular organisms; avoid for complex life forms.
Common Phrases:
move like an amoeba, shape-shifting like an amoeba
Etymology:
From Greek "amoibē," meaning "change," referring to its shifting shape.
Examples:
- 1. The amoeba moves by extending its pseudopods.
- 2. Under the microscope, the amoeba appears as a tiny blob.
- 3. Amoebas reproduce by splitting into two identical cells.
- 4. Ponds often contain countless amoebas in their water.