paramecium — A single-celled microorganism with a slipper-like shape that moves using cilia
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A single-celled microorganism with a slipper-like shape that moves using cilia
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌpærəˈmiːsiəm/
Example Sentences
- The paramecium escaped from the petri dish and went on a microscopic adventure.
- Paramecium reproduce through binary fission, splitting into two identical cells.
- The biology teacher said paramecium are like tiny living slippers swimming in pond water.
paramecium
NOUN[/ˌpærəˈmiːsiəm/]
A single-celled microorganism with a slipper-like shape that moves using cilia
Slipper-shaped single-celled organism swimming
Paramecium performs in the aquarium auditorium!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Greek 'paramekes', meaning 'oblong' or 'elongated'. Eighteenth-century scientists coined the term 'paramecium' to describe this single-celled microorganism, referencing its distinctive slipper-like shape.
Breakdown
para- (beside, alongside) + mekes (long, oblong) + -ium (Latin neuter noun suffix). The Greek root paramekes literally means 'somewhat long' or 'oblong'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The paramecium escaped from the petri dish and went on a microscopic adventure.”
“Paramecium reproduce through binary fission, splitting into two identical cells.”
“The biology teacher said paramecium are like tiny living slippers swimming in pond water.”
“Scientists use paramecium as model organisms to study cellular processes.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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