flagellated protozoan

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Explanation of "Flagellated Protozoan"

Definition:
A "flagellated protozoan" is a type of tiny living organism (called a protozoan) that usually does not make its own food using sunlight (nonphotosynthetic). These protozoans have long, whiplike structures called "flagella" that they use to move around. Some flagellated protozoans can cause diseases in humans and other animals.

Usage Instructions

• Context: The term is mostly used in scientific contexts, particularly in biology and microbiology.
• Form: It is a noun, so it can be used as the subject or object in a sentence.

Example Sentence

• "The flagellated protozoan caused illness in the fish, leading to a decline in their population."

Advanced Usage

In more advanced discussions, you might encounter terms like "pathogen" which refers to an organism that can cause disease. Understanding terms related to biology, such as "eukaryotic," "unicellular," or "parasite," can help deepen your understanding of flagellated protozoans.

Word Variants

• Flagellate (verb): To move or propel oneself using flagella.
• Flagellum (singular): One of the whiplike appendages.
• Flagella (plural): More than one whiplike appendage.

Different Meanings

While "flagellated protozoan" specifically refers to a type of organism, the word "flagellated" can also describe anything that has flagella. For example, you might refer to certain types of algae as "flagellated."

Synonyms

• Protozoan: A general term for single-celled organisms.
• Microorganism: A broader term that includes bacteria, viruses, and protozoans.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While "flagellated protozoan" does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, you might hear terms related to health or biology used metaphorically. For example:

Summary

A flagellated protozoan is a small, often harmful organism that moves with whip-like appendages. This term is mainly used in scientific discussions.

Academic

Noun

1. a usually nonphotosynthetic free-living protozoan with whiplike appendages; some are pathogens of humans and other animals

Synonyms

• flagellate
• flagellate protozoan
• mastigophoran
• mastigophore