protozoan Definition
any of a diverse group of single-celled, usually microscopic, eukaryotic organisms, such as amoebas, ciliates, flagellates, and sporozoans, that are often parasitic and sometimes pathogenic.
Using protozoan: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "protozoan" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Protozoans are found in almost every type of environment, including freshwater, marine, and soil.
Example
Some protozoans are capable of photosynthesis, while others are heterotrophic.
Example
Malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite called Plasmodium.
Example
Amoebic dysentery is caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica.
protozoan Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with protozoan
free-living protozoa
protozoa that live independently and not as parasites
Example
Many free-living protozoa are important decomposers in aquatic ecosystems.
a protozoan that moves by means of one or more flagella
Example
Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of African sleeping sickness, is a zooflagellate.
a protozoan that moves by means of hair-like structures called cilia
Example
Paramecium is a well-known ciliate.
Origins of protozoan
from Greek 'protos', meaning 'first' + 'zoon', meaning 'animal'
Summary: protozoan in Brief
The term 'protozoan' [proh-tuh-zoh-uhn] refers to a diverse group of single-celled eukaryotic organisms, including amoebas, ciliates, flagellates, and sporozoans. They are often parasitic and sometimes pathogenic, such as the protozoan parasite Plasmodium that causes malaria. Protozoans can be free-living or parasitic, and some are capable of photosynthesis.
