Amoeboid Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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amoeboid
[əˈmiːbɔɪd ]
Definition
biological shape
Amoeboid refers to the shape and movement characteristic of amoebas, which are unicellular organisms that can change their form. This term is often used to describe the shape of certain cells or organisms that exhibit flexibility and can extend their body to form pseudopodia for movement and feeding.
Synonyms
amorphous, irregular, shape-shifting.
Examples of usage
- The amoeboid movement allows the cell to engulf food particles.
- Some white blood cells demonstrate amoeboid motion in order to traverse tissues.
- The amoeboid form is crucial for the locomotion of certain protists.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Biology
- Amoeboids are often single-celled organisms and are able to move by extending their body in various directions.
- The movement of amoeboid organisms is known as amoeboid movement, which involves the flow of cytoplasm to create pseudopodia.
- Some multicellular organisms have amoeboid cells, which play roles in processes like wound healing and immune defense.
Pop Culture
- The shape-shifting capability of amoeboid creatures has inspired many fictional aliens in science fiction films and literature.
- Animated films often depict gooey, amoeboid characters that can transform and adapt to situations, showcasing fluidity and change.
- Video games include amoeboid-like enemies that change form and size, adding challenge and unpredictability to gameplay.
Psychology
- The term 'amoeboid' can metaphorically represent people who are adaptable in social situations, changing their shapes to fit in.
- In psychology, individuals who are described as amoeboid might be seen as lacking a fixed identity, fluidly shifting roles or personas.
- Amoeboid behavior in social settings can surface in situations requiring empathy and social intelligence.
Origin of 'amoeboid'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from 'amoeba', derived from the Greek word 'amoibe,' meaning 'change' or 'alteration.'
- First used in scientific contexts in the late 19th century to describe certain types of protozoa.
- The suffix '-oid' indicates resemblance, so 'amoeboid' describes something that resembles an amoeba.
The term 'amoeboid' derives from the Greek word 'amoibe', meaning 'change' or 'alteration', which reflects the ability of these organisms to change shape. The suffix '-oid' is used in English to mean 'like' or 'resembling'. This term was first introduced in scientific literature in the mid-19th century, coinciding with the study of protozoa and the development of microbiology. As microscopes became more advanced, scientists could observe the characteristics of various cells and organisms, leading to a greater understanding of their morphology and behaviors. The concept of amoeboid movement remains significant in cell biology, ecology, and many other scientific disciplines today.