Amoeba
Shape-shifting microorganism classification
An amoeba is a microscopic single-celled organism that moves by extending and retracting parts of its body, constantly shifting shape.
Found in water and soil, amoebas are among the simplest life forms.
Figuratively, something amoeba-like lacks fixed form or structure: The committee was an amoeba, reshaping itself with each new mandate.
Also spelled ameba.
Temporary cellular projection
- cytoplasmGel surrounding the nucleus
- nucleusCentral controlling part
- unicellularOne cell only
- protozoanUnicellular eukaryotic life form
organism · paramecium · protist · vacuole · membrane · microscopic · phagocytosis · binary fission
Shapeless viscous drop
- formlessLacking definite shape
- amorphousWithout distinct shape
- shapelessLacking distinct structure
- fluidSubstance that flows
flexible · shifting · morphing · malleable · undulating · gelatinous · oozing · flowing
Spread irregularly outward
- spreadingExtending over space
- expandingGrowing in scope
- decentralizedLacking single authority
- diffuseSpread thinly throughout
nebulous · unfocused · fragmented · disorganized · leaderless · chaotic · structureless · bureaucracy
Instrument for viewing minute objects
- slideSmooth continuous movement
- specimenIndividual for examination
- petri dishLidded laboratory culture container
- labResearch facility, shortened
biology class · textbook · diagram · observation · experiment · science fair · dissection · magnification
Bloody intestinal infection
- parasiticExploiting a host organism
- intestinalOf the gut
- infectionPathogen invasion causing illness
- pathogenDisease-causing microorganism
contamination · diarrhea · tropical · waterborne · liver abscess · disease · outbreak · sanitation
pseudopod
Temporary cellular projection
- cytoplasmGel surrounding the nucleus
- nucleusCentral controlling part
- unicellularOne cell only
protozoan · organism · paramecium · protist · vacuole · membrane · microscopic · phagocytosis · binary fission · microorganism
blob
Shapeless viscous drop
fluid · flexible · shifting · morphing · malleable · undulating · gelatinous · oozing · flowing · protean
sprawling
Spread irregularly outward
- spreadingExtending over space
- expandingGrowing in scope
- decentralizedLacking single authority
diffuse · nebulous · unfocused · fragmented · disorganized · leaderless · chaotic · structureless · bureaucracy · organization
microscope
Instrument for viewing minute objects
- slideSmooth continuous movement
- specimenIndividual for examination
- petri dishLidded laboratory culture container
biology class · lab · textbook · diagram · observation · experiment · science fair · dissection · magnification · curriculum
dysentery
Bloody intestinal infection
- parasiticExploiting a host organism
- intestinalOf the gut
- infectionPathogen invasion causing illness
pathogen · contamination · diarrhea · tropical · waterborne · liver abscess · disease · outbreak · sanitation · hygiene
- GeneraHomo, Quercus, Rosa, Capra, Lepus
- Species NamesHomo sapiens, Apis mellifera, Tyrannosaurus rex, Boa constrictor, Vitis vinifera
Amoebahuman
Homo sapiens individual
elephant · mammal · vertebrate · animal · plant
Amoebahuman being
Member of Homo sapiens
whale · primate · sentient being · intelligent life · vertebrate
- brain-eating amoebaLethal single-celled water pathogen
- amoebic dysenteryParasitic bowel infection