infusorian

[ in-fyoo-sawr-ee-uhn, -sohr- ]

noun

1. any of the Infusoria.

adjective

1. infusorial.

infusorian

/ ˌɪnfjʊˈzɔːrɪən /

noun

1. any of the microscopic organisms, such as protozoans and rotifers, found in infusions of organic material
2. See ciliate
   any member of the subclass Ciliata See ciliate

adjective

1. of or relating to infusorians

Derived Forms

• ˌinfuˈsorial, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of infusorian¹

First recorded in 1855–60; Infusori(a) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of infusorian¹

C18: from New Latin Infusoria former class name; see infuse

Example Sentences

This has been shown by the careful experiments of Maupas, who had observed 215 generations of an infusorian without sexual union.

From Project Gutenberg

The Infusorian can be called potentially immortal, because of this method of reproduction.

From Project Gutenberg

Now the single-celled Infusorian is in many respects comparable with the single-celled germ of the higher animals.

From Project Gutenberg

So far as we can see, therefore, everything that the infusorian feels at all, feels to him exactly like everything else.

From Project Gutenberg

In fact, the infusorian simply swallows whatever happens to hit his mouth.

From Project Gutenberg