Eukaryota

[ yoo-kar-ee-oh-tuh, ‐ee-uh-tuh ]

noun

, (used with a singular or plural verb)

1. (in the three-domain system of classification) the taxonomic domain comprising the eukaryotes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Eukaryota¹

First recorded in 1945–50; from New Latin, from Greek, equivalent to eu- + káry(on) + neuter plural adjective suffix -ōta; eu- ( def ), kary(o)- ( def ), -ota ( def )

Example Sentences

Many kingdoms make up its three domains, but only two of those kingdoms within the domain Eukaryota, the Plantae and Animalia, appear to merit conservation biologists' attention.

From Slate

Before, bacteria were classified as Prokaryota, while everything else, including fungi, plants and people, were considered Eukaryota.

From Time Magazine Archive