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Glite Dictionary
genus Amoeba

genus Amoeba

8.4
A tiny single cell that lives in wet soil or water and moves by changing shape
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs əˈmiːbə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Amoeba
  • Scientists discovered a new species within the genus Amoeba in a freshwater lake.

Examples

  • Members of the genus Amoeba move by extending their pseudopodia.

  • The genus Amoeba is widely studied in schools as a classic example of a single-celled organism.

  • The genus Amoeba includes many fascinating species.

  • Did you know that the genus Amoeba can change shape?

  • Scientists discovered a new species within the genus Amoeba found in a freshwater lake.

  • Members of the genus Amoeba move by extending their pseudopodia in search of food.

  • The genus Amoeba is widely studied in biology classes to demonstrate single-celled life.

Surface Forms

genus Amoeba singular
genera Amoeba plural

Morphology

genus + ameba

The meaning is directly compositional: 'genus' (a biological rank grouping related species) + 'Amoeba' (a single-celled organism) yields 'the genus that contains amoebae'. This taxonomic noun-noun naming pattern is standard in biology and cross-linguistically common, so a learner who knows both constituent words can infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Genus Amoeba means a 'group' name for tiny, one-celled creatures called Amoeba that move by changing shape and pushing out parts of their body like soft blobs, so the name helps you remember they are shapeless, moving single cells.