amebous

9.9

Having a soft shape that changes to move like an amoeba

adjective
/əˈmiːbəs/

Specialized

: amebiano

Certain cells exhibit amebous movement as they change shape to engulf particles.

Examples

The amebous shape of the organism fascinated the scientists.
She described the amebous movement of the creature in her report.
Certain cells exhibit amebous movement as they change shape to engulf particles.
Scientists observed an amebous pattern in the spread of the infection.
The organism spread across the slide in a distinctly amebous manner.
The organism spread across the slide in a distinctly amebous manner.
She described the amebous shape of the creature in her report.

Synonyms

amoeboid

vsamebous

Specialized

1 8.9

Having an irregular shape that keeps changing like an amoeba

emphasizes shape change rather than general structural or behavioral traits

amebic

vsamebous

Specialized

1 7.9

Relating to or caused by amoebas, tiny single cells that can make people sick

is broader focusing on physical movement and shape not infections

amoeban

vsamebous

Specialized

9.9

Looks or moves like an amoeba

focuses on movement and shape rather than broad structure or behavior

Surface Forms

amebous positive

Morphology

amebous = ameba (transparent) = ameb + ous

The adjective is a straightforward derivation from the noun 'ameba' with the productive adjectival suffix '-ous', so its meaning 'resembling an amoeba' is directly predictable.

Etymology

The word amebous comes from amoeba, the tiny cell that often changes shape. The old Greek root means 'change' and the ending -ous turns it into a word that describes things that move or look 'like an amoeba'. So amebous means 'changing shape' or 'amoeba-like'.