protozoan

[ proh-tuh-zoh-uhn ]

noun

, plural pro·to·zo·ans, (especially collectively) pro·to·zo·a [proh-t, uh, -, zoh, -, uh].

1. any of a diverse group of eukaryotes, of the kingdom Protista, that are primarily unicellular, existing singly or aggregating into colonies, are usually nonphotosynthetic, and are often classified further into phyla according to their capacity for and means of motility, as by pseudopods, flagella, or cilia.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a protozoan.

protozoan

/ ˌprəʊtəˈzəʊən /

noun

1. Also calledprotozoonˌprəʊtəˈzəʊɒn -zoa any of various minute unicellular organisms formerly regarded as invertebrates of the phylum Protozoa but now usually classified in certain phyla of protoctists. Protozoans include flagellates, ciliates, sporozoans, amoebas, and foraminifers

adjective

1. of or relating to protozoans

protozoan

/ prō′tə-zō′ən /

, Plural protozoans

1. Any of a large group of one-celled organisms (called protists) that live in water or as parasites. Many protozoans move about by means of appendages known as cilia or flagella. Protozoans include the amoebas, flagellates, foraminiferans, and ciliates. Their traditional classification as the subkingdom Protozoa is still used for convenience, but it is now known that protozoans represent several evolutionarily distinct groups.
2. See more at protist

Word History and Origins

Origin of protozoan¹

First recorded in 1860–65; Protozo(a) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of protozoan¹

C19: via New Latin from Greek proto- + zoion animal

Example Sentences

It seems miraculous that, over billions of years, our planetary circumstances enabled protozoa to evolve into people.

From New York Times

Bottom line: If you must have tropical milkweed, cut it down to the ground each fall before it goes to seed, to kill any overwintering protozoa and reduce its potential to spread to neighboring areas.

From Los Angeles Times

Food turns into compost through the hard work of small microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and protozoa.

From National Geographic

Party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski said then that migrants brought diseases to Europe, as well as “parasites and protozoa” - remarks that were heavily criticized.

From Washington Times

Party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski said then that migrants brought diseases to Europe, as well as “parasites and protozoa” — remarks that were heavily criticized.

From Seattle Times