volvox

[ vol-voks ]

noun

1. any colonial, freshwater green algae of the genus Volvox, forming a hollow, greenish sphere of flagellated cells.

volvox

/ ˈvɒlvɒks /

noun

1. any freshwater flagellate protozoan of the genus Volvox, occurring in colonies in the form of hollow multicellular spheres

Word History and Origins

Origin of volvox¹

1790–1800; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin volv ( ere ) to turn, roll + -ōx (as in ferōx )

Word History and Origins

Origin of volvox¹

C18: from New Latin, from Latin volvere to roll

Example Sentences

“Volvox,” I read, “it’s Volvox. Is that how you say it?”

From Literature

Multicellular Volvox can do both at once, because its cells have specialized.

From Science Magazine

The smaller cells always have flagella, which sweep nutrients over the Volvox's surface and help it swim.

From Science Magazine

Volvox has repurposed other features of the single cell ancestor as well.

From Science Magazine

Studies of Volvox, an alga that forms beautiful, flagellated green balls, shows that multicellular organisms also found new ways to use existing functions.

From Science Magazine