merozoite

[ mer-uh-zoh-ahyt ]

noun

1. (in the asexual reproduction of certain sporozoans) a cell developed from a schizont that parasitizes a red blood cell in the host.

merozoite

/ ˌmɛrəʊˈzəʊaɪt /

noun

1. any of the cells formed by fission of a schizont during the life cycle of sporozoan protozoans, such as the malaria parasite Compare trophozoite

Word History and Origins

Origin of merozoite¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; mero- + zo- + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of merozoite¹

C20: from mero- + zo ( o ) + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

If researchers could replicate these changes in the lab, Hakimi reasoned, they’d be able to take an asexual parasite and force it to form a merozoite, even outside of a cat.

From Science Magazine

I.-IV represents the schizogony, commencing with infection of an epithelial cell by a sporozoite or merozoite.

From Project Gutenberg