noun
paramecium
pa-ruh-MEE-see-um
Paramecium (noun) means a single-celled, oval-shaped organism belonging to the genus Paramecium. Example: “Under the microscope, a paramecium darted about using its tiny hair-like cilia.”
noun
1
A single-celled, oval-shaped organism belonging to the genus Paramecium.
"Under the microscope, a paramecium darted about using its tiny hair-like cilia."
"The class grew paramecia in a jar of pond water for their biology project."
"Each paramecium moves by beating rows of fine hairs along its body."
How to use paramecium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA paramecium is a tiny oval creature made of just one cell, common in pond water.
When to use it
This is a scientific term used mainly in biology.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a paramecium under the microscope
paramecium culture
freshwater paramecium
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Under the microscope, a _____ darted about using its tiny hair-like cilia.
Etymology
Paramecium comes from Ancient Greek, from a word meaning oval, which itself is built on the Greek word for length.
Rhymes for paramecium
See all rhymes for paramecium →Frequently asked questions
What is a paramecium?
It's a tiny, oval-shaped, single-celled organism found in fresh water. It moves and feeds using fine hair-like structures called cilia.
What is the plural of paramecium?
Both paramecia and parameciums are used, with paramecia being the more traditional form.
Where do paramecia live?
They live in freshwater environments such as ponds, where they feed on bacteria and other small organisms.
What is the meaning of paramecium?
"paramecium" (noun) means a single-celled, oval-shaped organism belonging to the genus Paramecium.
