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. any member of the subclass Ciliata See ciliate

adjective

1. of or relating to infusorians

Other Word Forms

• infusorial 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

These minute infusorians would glow with the pale gleam of phosphorescence if the water were ruffled.

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And it may be asked what advantage, as far as we can see, would it be to an infusorian animalcule—to an intestinal worm, or even to an earthworm—to be highly organized.

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These ganglia are the brain of this infusorian.

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So that the church grew as grow infusorians and certain worms,—by fissure, by periodical splittings and breakings to pieces, each spontaneous division becoming a new organism.

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I shall be glad to learn what you think of Clark's view of sponges being flagellate infusorians; some observers in this country believe in him.

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