zoomastigote
- noun
- /ˌzuːməˈstɪɡoʊt/
- Archaic
:
zoomastigote
- Unlike algae, a zoomastigote does not perform photosynthesis and is more animal-like in its behavior.
Examples
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Under the microscope, the scientist identified the organism as a zoomastigote.
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Did you know that a zoomastigote can be both free-living and parasitic?
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Some zoomastigotes are known to cause diseases in humans and animals.
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The zoomastigote is often found in freshwater environments.
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Some zoomastigotes are known to cause diseases in humans and animals.
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Under the microscope, the scientist identified the organism as a zoomastigote.
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Unlike algae, a zoomastigote does not perform photosynthesis and is more animal-like in its behavior.
Synonyms
A tiny single-celled animal-like creature that swims with a tail-like part and absorbs food
A single-celled organism that moves using whiplike tails and sometimes causes disease in people
A single-cell creature that moves with tail-like parts and can cause disease in people
A one-celled organism that moves with whip-like tails and can cause disease in animals or people
Surface Forms
Morphology
zoomastigote = mastigote (opaque) = zoo + mastigote
Although 'zoo-' signals 'animal', the second element 'mastigote' is a technical combining form unfamiliar to typical learners, so the meaning is not derivable for an average B1 learner.
Etymology
Zoomastigote comes from Greek parts zoo- meaning 'animal' and -mastigote meaning 'whip', referring to the whip-like tail these cells use to swim. So a zoomastigote is a single-celled, animal-like organism that moves with a whip-like tail and does not act like a plant.
