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euglena

euglena

1 9.9
A tiny green living thing with one cell and one tail that swims in fresh water
  • noun
  • /juˈɡlinə/
  • Specialized
: euglena
  • The pond water was teeming with euglena under the microscope.

Examples

  • Researchers studied how euglena moves using its flagellum.

  • A euglena can photosynthesize due to the chloroplasts within its cell.

  • The euglena swims using its flagellum.

  • Many euglenas can be found in freshwater ponds.

  • Under the microscope, I observed a euglena moving swiftly through the water, its flagellum trailing behind.

  • In our biology class, we studied a euglena and learned how it can photosynthesize like plants.

  • The pond was full of life, with tiny euglena swimming in the sunlight.

Synonyms

microalga
vseuglena
  • Specialized
1 8.1

A very small living thing like a water plant that you can only see with a microscope

is a specific tiny freshwater organism often classed as an alga or protozoan
euglenid
vseuglena
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A one-celled living thing in fresh and salt water that moves with a whip-like tail

usually has only a single flagellum and is freshwater and minute
euglenophyte
vseuglena
  • Specialized
9.9

A single-celled living thing in water, often green, with a tail used to move

is described more generally rather than named by a specific taxonomic group
euglenoid
vseuglena
  • Specialized
9.9

A single-celled water organism with a whip-like tail that often makes food from light

is limited to freshwater and noted for a single flagellum

Surface Forms

euglena singular
euglenas plural

Etymology

Euglena comes from Greek parts eu- 'good' and glēnē 'eye'. These tiny freshwater cells have a small light-sensing 'eye' or eyespot that helps them find light to make food, so the name is like calling it a 'good eye'.