First Known Use: circa 1864
Dictionary
protozoan
noun pro·to·zo·an \-ˈzō-ən\
: a tiny organism whose body is a single cell
Full Definition of PROTOZOAN
: any of a phylum or subkingdom (Protozoa) of chiefly motile and heterotrophic unicellular protists (as amoebas, trypanosomes, sporozoans, and paramecia) that are represented in almost every kind of habitat and include some pathogenic parasites of humans and domestic animals
— protozoan adjective
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Origin of PROTOZOAN
New Latin Protozoa, from prot- + -zoa
PROTOZOANS Defined for Kids
protozoan
noun pro·to·zo·an \ˌprō-tə-ˈzō-ən\
Definition of PROTOZOAN for Kids
: a single-celled organism (as an amoeba or paramecium) that is a protist and is capable of movement
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