protist Definition
any of a diverse taxonomic group and kingdom (Protista) of eukaryotic organisms that are primarily unicellular and sometimes colonial or less often multicellular and that typically include the protozoans, most algae, and often some fungi (such as slime molds).
Using protist: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "protist" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Protists are found in almost every environment on Earth.
Example
Many protists are important to the food chain.
Example
Some protists cause diseases in humans, such as malaria.
Example
Algae is a type of protist that can be used to produce biofuels.
protist Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for protist
- microorganism
- protozoan
- algae
- unicellular organism
- slime mold
Phrases with protist
a type of protist that moves and feeds by means of temporary projections called pseudopodia
Example
Amoeboid protists include amoebas and foraminifera.
a soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder, used as a filtration aid, mild abrasive, absorbent, and insecticide
Example
Diatomaceous earth is made up of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of microscopic algae-like protist.
a type of protist that lives in the water column and drifts with the currents
Example
Planktonic protists include many types of algae and protozoans.
Summary: protist in Brief
The term 'protist' [proh-tist] refers to a diverse group of eukaryotic organisms that are primarily unicellular, including protozoans, most algae, and sometimes fungi. They are found in almost every environment on Earth, and many are important to the food chain. Some protists can cause diseases in humans, such as malaria. Algae is a type of protist that can be used to produce biofuels.
