infusorian

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

/ ˌɪn fyʊˈsɔr i ən, -ˈsoʊr- /

noun

any of the Infusoria.

adjective

infusorial.

Nearby words

Origin of infusorian

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for infusorian

This has been shown by the careful experiments of Maupas, who had observed 215 generations of an infusorian without sexual union.
Degeneracy|Eugene S. Talbot
The Infusorian can be called potentially immortal, because of this method of reproduction.
Applied Eugenics|Paul Popenoe and Roswell Hill Johnson
In fact, the infusorian simply swallows whatever happens to hit his mouth.
Natural Wonders|Edwin Tenney Brewster
Now the single-celled Infusorian is in many respects comparable with the single-celled germ of the higher animals.
Applied Eugenics|Paul Popenoe and Roswell Hill Johnson

Thus the plant, that seems to know two things, is twice as well off as the infusorian that knows only one.
Natural Wonders|Edwin Tenney Brewster

British Dictionary definitions for infusorian

infusorian

/ (ˌɪnfjʊˈzɔːrɪən) /

noun obsolete

any of the microscopic organisms, such as protozoans and rotifers, found in infusions of organic material

any member of the subclass CiliataSee ciliate (def. 3)

adjective

of or relating to infusorians

Derived Formsinfusorial, adjective

Word Origin for infusorian

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012