amœban.
Zool.
A microscopic animalcule (class Protozoa) consisting of a single cell of gelatinous sarcode, the outer layer of which is highly extensile and contractile, and the inner fluid and mobile, so that the shape of the animal is perpetually changing.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > invertebrates > protozoa > class Sarcodina > order Rhizopoda > [noun] > member of > member of suborder Amoebida (amoeba)
Proteus1753
amœba1841
1841 T. R. Jones Gen. Outl. Animal Kingdom iv. 52 The Proteus, (Amœba E.)..affords a singular example of an acrite animal.
1870 H. Spencer Princ. Psychol. (ed. 2) I. iii. iv. 307 The Amœba, a speck of jelly having no constant form, sends out..prolongations of its substance.
1878 A. Macalister Zool. Invertebr. Animals 22 These amœbæ..are little masses of protoplasm, moving and taking food by means of pseudopodia.
Compounds
Comb. as amœba-like.
ΚΠ
1864 H. Spencer Illustr. Progress 398 Immense numbers of Amœba-like creatures..in a framework of horny fibres, constitute sponge.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1884; most recently modified version published online June 2011).
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n.1841