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noun

amoeba

uh-MEE-buh
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Amoeba (noun) means a single-celled organism that moves and feeds by extending finger-like parts of itself called pseudopodia. Example: “Under the microscope, the amoeba slowly changed shape as it moved.”

noun
1
A single-celled organism that moves and feeds by extending finger-like parts of itself called pseudopodia.
"Under the microscope, the amoeba slowly changed shape as it moved."
"Students studied how an amoeba engulfs its food."

How to use amoeba

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA tiny, shapeless single-celled creature that constantly changes form as it moves.

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Word forms

Plural
amoebae, amoebas
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Under the microscope, the _____ slowly changed shape as it moved.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek amoibe, "change" — a nod to how constantly the organism's shape shifts.

Origin: Ancient Greek

ameba

Antonyms

Related words

Rhymes for amoeba

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Frequently asked questions

What does “amoeba” mean?
The word “amoeba” means a single-celled organism that moves and feeds by extending finger-like parts of itself called pseudopodia. In plain terms, a tiny, shapeless single-celled creature that constantly changes form as it moves.
How do you pronounce “amoeba”?
“Amoeba” is pronounced uh-MEE-buh (/əˈmiːbə/ in IPA).
How do you use “amoeba” in a sentence?
Here is “amoeba” used in a sentence: “Under the microscope, the amoeba slowly changed shape as it moved.”
What is the opposite of “amoeba”?
The opposite of “amoeba” — its antonyms — is mastigote.
What part of speech is “amoeba”?
“Amoeba” is a noun.
Where does the word “amoeba” come from?
The word “amoeba” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek amoibe, "change" — a nod to how constantly the organism's shape shifts.

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