Infusoria

American  

[in-fyoo-sawr-ee-uh, -sohr-] / ˌɪn fyʊˈsɔr i ə, -ˈsoʊr- /

plural noun

1. protozoans of the phylum Ciliophora (or class Ciliata).

2. (formerly) any of various microscopic organisms found in infusions of decaying organic matter.

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Etymology

Origin of Infusoria

1780–90; < New Latin, neuter plural of infūsōrius. See infuse, -ory ¹

Example Sentences

Infusoria, in-fū-sō′ri-a, n.pl. a name given to several classes of active Protozoa, some of which appear in great numbers in stagnant infusions of animal or vegetable material.—adjs.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

Thus the Infusoria, including the Ciliata and the Suctoria, are usually littoral in their habitat, living upon the shore-dwelling, or attached, water plants and upon the animals frequenting them.

From Marine Protozoa from Woods Hole Bulletin of the United States Fish Commission 21:415-468, 1901 by Calkins, Gary N. (Gary Nathan)

"Infusoria" meant: "We expect you to act on this advice at once, and we cannot be responsible for expenditure beyond what is strictly necessary to wind up."

From Second String by Hope, Anthony

We owe to him the foundation and definition of the classes of Infusoria, Annelida, Arachnida, and Crustacea, the two latter groups being separated from the insects.

From Lamarck, the Founder of Evolution His Life and Work by Packard, A. S. (Alpheus Spring)

A treatise upon Infusoria, illustrated from drawings by his daughter, was written by Mr. Brightwell and printed for private circulation. 

From Norfolk Annals A Chronological Record of Remarkable Events in the Nineteeth Century, Vol. 2 by Mackie, Charles