What does amoebae mean?
Amoebae is the plural of amoeba, a term for single-celled organisms famous for their shapeless, constantly changing bodies. Lacking fixed form, limbs, or organs, an amoeba moves and feeds by extending lobes of its cytoplasm, known as pseudopodia or "false feet," which flow outward to pull the cell along or engulf food particles. Found in fresh water, seawater, soil, and inside other organisms, amoebae are classic subjects of microscopy and a staple of introductory biology. The word carries no emotional connotation; it is neutral and scientific, though "amoeba-like" can figuratively describe anything slow, formless, or aimlessly shifting. While "amoebae" preserves the Latin-style plural, many writers — especially in American English — simply use "amoebas." Knowing the term opens a window into some of life's simplest yet most adaptable forms.
nounAmoebae is the plural of amoeba: single-celled organisms that move and feed by means of temporary projections of their cytoplasm called pseudopodia.
- Plural of amoeba: microscopic single-celled organisms that move and feed using pseudopodia.
- By extension, any of various similar simple organisms or cells that move by pseudopodia, such as certain slime molds or immune cells described as behaving in an amoeba-like way.
"Under the microscope, the pond water teemed with amoebae drifting slowly across the slide."
"Scientists observed the amoebae engulfing bacteria through their ever-changing pseudopodia."
"In biology class we compared the movement of amoebae with that of ciliates like Paramecium."
"Amoebae" is itself a plural form (of amoeba). Alternative accepted plurals include "amoebas" and, in American spelling, "amebae" or "amebas." Use "amoebae" with plural verbs.
"The amoebae were clearly visible at 400x magnification."
The plural of amoeba is spelled three different ways — amoebae, amebas, and amoebas — depending on whether you prefer Latin endings or English ones.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of amoebae
The word derives ultimately from the Greek "amoibē," meaning change or alternation, via the modern Latin genus name Amoeba coined in the early 19th century to describe these ever-changing organisms. The plural "amoebae" follows the Latin first-declension pattern applied to the adopted Greek-rooted name. Related forms include the adjective "amoebic" (as in amoebic dysentery), "amoeboid" (resembling an amoeba), and "amoebiasis" (infection by amoebae).
Related word forms
How amoebae is actually used
"Amoebae" is the traditional Latinate plural; in everyday and much American scientific usage, the anglicized plurals "amoebas" or "amebas" are equally acceptable. The spelling "amoebe/amoebae" reflects British convention, while American English often uses the "ameba/amebae" spelling without the initial 'o'. The word belongs chiefly to scientific and educational registers.
Easily confused with amoebae
"Amoeba" is the singular form referring to one organism, while "amoebae" is its plural, referring to more than one.