Infusoria

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

/ ˌɪn fyʊˈsɔr i ə, -ˈsoʊr- /

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plural noun

protozoans of the phylum Ciliophora (or class Ciliata).

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

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Origin of Infusoria

1780–90; <New Latin, neuter plural of infūsōrius.See infuse, -ory¹

Infusoria:—Outer protoplasm firmer and denser; therefore of more definite shape.
The Sea Shore|William S. Furneaux
This is mostly represented, of course, by lower organisms, as infusoria and worms.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 664, September 22,1888|Various
His great work on Infusoria appeared in 1838, and was at once recognized as the highest authority on the subject.
The New Gresham Encyclopedia|Various
The radiate type is shown by discoid infusoria, by medusæ, by starfish and their allies.
Form and Function|E. S. (Edward Stuart) Russell

These cells, called choanocytes, resemble independent animals of the Protozoa, known as flagellate Infusoria or Choanoflagellata.
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tide|Augusta Foote Arnold