Infusoria

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

/ ˌɪn fyʊˈsɔr i ə, -ˈsoʊr- /

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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CAN YOU FEEL THE WEAL WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ?

Did you collect all of last week’s words, but eftsoons forget what they mean? Don’t worry, we’re here to jog your memory. See how many words from the week of May 18 to 24 you can get right!

Question 1 of 7

weal

well-being, prosperity, or happiness.

the intervening time.

a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.

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Origin of Infusoria

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

Example sentences from the Web for infusoria

These are called Protozoa, and comprise the Infusoria and other microscopic organisms.
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tide|Augusta Foote Arnold
They are the cryptogamia of another world,—the infusoria of the skies.
Great Mysteries and Little Plagues|John Neal
Humboldt's assertion is fully verified in the case of the Infusoria under consideration, which is often found with its parasites.
The Ocean World:|Louis Figuier
Thus we often find the bodies of certain crustaceans covered with a forest of vorticell and other infusoria.
Animal Parasites and Messmates|P. J. Van Beneden

Most of these infusoria are lacustrine; but others are marine, particularly the tripolis of the Isle of France.
A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures and Mines|Andrew Ure

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