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Paramecia Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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paramecia

[หŒpรฆrษ™หˆmiหสƒษ™ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

biology study

Paramecia are single-celled organisms that belong to the group of protists. They are characterized by their slipper-like shape and are covered in tiny hair-like structures called cilia, which they use for movement and feeding. Paramecia are commonly found in freshwater environments and are often used in scientific research to study cellular processes.

Examples of usage

  • Paramecia reproduce asexually through binary fission.
  • The movement of paramecia is facilitated by the coordinated beating of cilia.
  • Scientists often observe paramecia under a microscope to study their behavior.
  • Paramecia can consume bacteria and other microorganisms as food.

Translations

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Origin of 'paramecia'

The word 'paramecium' originates from the Greek word 'paramฤ“kios', which means 'alongside' or 'beside'. This reflects the organism's characteristic shape and the relationship to other similar microorganisms. The term came into use in the 19th century as researchers began to discover and classify various types of single-celled organisms through advancements in microscopy. Paramecia are part of the larger class of ciliate protozoans, which include a variety of species that play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems. Their behavior and structure have made them a subject of interest not only in biological studies but also in genetics and ecology, contributing to our understanding of the complexity of life at the cellular level.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,633, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.