any protozoan of the phylum Rhizopoda, esp any of the genus Amoeba, able to change shape because of the movements of cell processes (pseudopodia). They live in fresh water or soil or as parasites in humans and animals
Derived forms
amoebic (aˈmoebic) or US amebic (aˈmebic)
adjective
Word origin
C19: from New Latin, from Greek amoibē change, from ameibein to change, exchange
Examples of 'amoebae' in a sentence
amoebae
Maybe they didn't reproduce, didn't know how to, just split in two like amoebae.
Dobbs, Michael THE TOUCH OF INNOCENTS
Mere amoebae at first, they began to swell and multiply.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
If happiness had been the human goal, we'd still be amoebae.