Mastigophora

[ mas-ti-gof-er-uh ]

noun

1. a phylum of protozoans comprising nonphotosynthetic, chiefly free-living flagellates: some species are important pathogens of humans and other animals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mastigophora¹

< New Latin (neuter plural) < Greek mastīgophóros whip-bearing, equivalent to mastīg-, stem of mástix whip + -o- -o- + -phoros -phore. See mastigium, -phorous

Example Sentences

This genus is exceptional among Mastigophora in that division is transverse instead of longitudinal.

From Project Gutenberg

The Mastigophora are frequently termed Flagellata or Flagellates.

From Project Gutenberg