What does ameboid mean?
Ameboid describes something that resembles an amoeba, especially a cell or organism that can change shape and move by extending and retracting temporary, arm-like projections called pseudopodia. The term is common in biology and medicine, where it describes forms of movement such as the squeezing of white blood cells through narrow spaces in tissues or the movement of certain parasitic organisms. It is also used more broadly for structures or cells with an irregular, changeable outline. Although ameboid is a specialized scientific adjective, its meaning is readily understood from the familiar behavior of amoebae. In US English, ameboid is the usual spelling, although amoeboid is also common. The word is especially useful in descriptions of cell biology, immunology, parasitology, and microbiology.
adjectiveResembling an amoeba, especially in having a changeable shape and moving by means of pseudopodia. It is commonly used for cells or organisms that move and change shape in an amoeba-like way.
- Resembling an amoeba in shape or movement; moving by means of pseudopodia.
"The amoeboid white blood cell squeezed through the narrow gap in the vessel wall."
"The amoeboid white blood cell squeezed through the narrow gap in the vessel wall."
"The parasite changes from a motile, amoeboid form into a more resistant cyst."
Amoeboid cells are microscopic shape-shifters: some white blood cells squeeze through tissue by extending temporary arm-like projections called pseudopodia.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ameboid
Ameboid is formed from amoeba plus the suffix -oid, meaning “resembling” or “like.” Amoeba comes through New Latin from Greek, where ameibos meant “changeable” and ameibō meant “to change,” referring to the organism’s constantly changing shape. The same root appears in related terms such as amebocyte and amebiasis.
How ameboid is actually used
Chiefly used in biology and medicine. The spelling ameboid is standard in US usage, while amoeboid is also widely used, especially in British and international scientific writing.