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Glite Dictionary
Entamoeba

Entamoeba

9.9
Tiny one-celled organisms that can live in humans and cause severe diarrhea
  • proper noun
  • /ˌɛntəˈmiːbə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Entamoeba
  • Stool specimens were also tested for Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia lamblia, and Entamoeba histolytica.
  • Entamoeba histolytica

Examples

  • Giardia lamblia (especially occurs in travelers in Eastern Europe), Entamoeba histolytica.

    Academic text (2012)

  • The parasite Entamoeba histolytica can cause serious health issues if ingested through contaminated water.

  • Infections caused by Entamoeba are often linked to poor sanitation and hygiene practices.

  • One of the most dangerous forms of Entamoeba is responsible for amoebic dysentery, which can be severe.

Surface Forms

Entamoeba main

Morphology

Entamoeba = amoeba (semi-transparent) = ent + amoeba

The relation to 'amoeba' is clear, but the combining form 'ent' (meaning 'within' or 'intestinal') is a specialized scientific element unfamiliar to average learners.

Etymology

Entamoeba comes from Greek parts en- meaning 'in' or 'within' and amoeba meaning 'change' and used in English for the tiny single-celled 'amoeba'. So, Entamoeba means an 'amoeba inside', which fits because these amoebas live inside the intestines and can cause disease.