Ameboid Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🐚
ameboid
[əˈmiːbɔɪd ]
Definition
biological shape
Ameboid refers to a shape or movement that resembles that of an amoeba, typically characterized by irregular, flowing outlines. This term is often used to describe certain cells or organisms that exhibit this form of locomotion and morphology.
Synonyms
amoeboid, blob-like, shapeless.
Examples of usage
- The ameboid cells are crucial for the immune response.
- In amoeboid organisms, movement occurs through pseudopodia.
- Many protozoa display ameboid characteristics in their mode of locomotion.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'ameboid'
The term 'ameboid' is derived from the word 'amoeba,' which itself comes from the Greek 'amoibe,' meaning 'change' or 'morph.' The amoeba is a type of single-celled organism known for its ability to change shape, which corresponds to its locomotion method involving pseudopodia. The suffix '-oid' indicates a resemblance or likeness, thereby allowing the term 'ameboid' to suggest a similarity to the form or behavior of amoebas. This term has been used in biology since the 19th century to classify and describe various organisms and cell types that exhibit similar fluid and irregular shapes, highlighting its significance in the study of cellular movement and morphology.