protist

noun pro·tist \ˈprō-(ˌ)tist\

Definition of PROTIST

: any of a diverse taxonomic group and especially a kingdom (Protista syn. Protoctista) of eukaryotic organisms that are unicellular and sometimes colonial or less often multicellular and that typically include the protozoans, most algae, and often some fungi (as slime molds)

— pro·tis·tan \prō-ˈtis-tən\ adjective or noun

See protist defined for kids

Origin of PROTIST

New Latin Protista, from Greek, neuter plural of prōtistos very first, primal, from superl. of prōtos first — more at prot-

First Known Use: 1889

Rhymes with PROTIST

A-list, assist, backlist, blacklist, B-list, checklist, consist, dean's list, delist, desist, encyst, enlist, entwist, exist, handlist, hit list, insist, life list, mailed fist, persist, playlist, Rehnquist, resist, short list, short-list, subsist, untwist, wait-list, white list, wish list

PROTISTAN Defined for Kids

protist

noun pro·tist \ˈprō-tist\

Definition of PROTIST for Kids

: any member of the kingdom of mostly single-celled organisms (as protozoans and algae) that have a nucleus and sometimes form colonies

Medical Dictionary

protist

noun pro·tist \ˈprōt-əst, ˈprō-ˌtist\

Medical Definition of PROTIST

: any of a diverse taxonomic group and especially a kingdom (Protista synonym Protoctista) of eukaryotic organisms that are unicellular and sometimes colonial or less often multicellular and that typically include the protozoans, most algae, and often some fungi (as slime molds)

—pro·tis·tan \prō-ˈtis-tən\ adjective or noun