plasmodium
[ plaz-moh-dee-uh m ]
/ plæzˈmoʊ di əm /
noun, plural plas·mo·di·a [plaz-moh-dee-uh] /plæzˈmoʊ di ə/.
Biology. an ameboid, multinucleate mass or sheet of cytoplasm characteristic of some stages of organisms, as of myxomycetes or slime molds.
any parasitic protozoan of the genus Plasmodium, causing malaria in humans.
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plas·mo·di·al, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
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British Dictionary definitions for plasmodium
plasmodium
/ (plæzˈməʊdɪəm) /
noun plural -dia (-dɪə)
an amoeboid mass of protoplasm, containing many nuclei: a stage in the life cycle of certain organisms, esp the nonreproductive stage of the slime moulds
any parasitic sporozoan protozoan of the genus Plasmodium, such as P. falciparum and P. vivax, which cause malaria
Derived Forms
plasmodial, adjectiveWord Origin for plasmodium
C19: New Latin; see plasma, -ode 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medicine definitions for plasmodium (1 of 2)
plasmodium
[ plăz-mō′dē-əm ]
n. pl. plas•mo•di•a (-dē-ə)
A multinucleate mass of cytoplasm formed by the aggregation of a number of amoeboid cells, as that characteristic of the vegetative phase of the slime molds.
A protozoan of the genus Plasmodium, which includes the parasites that cause malaria.
Medicine definitions for plasmodium (2 of 2)
Plasmodium
n.
A genus of protozoans that are parasites of the red blood cells of vertebrates and include the causative agents of malaria.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for plasmodium
plasmodium
[ plăz-mō′dē-əm ]
Plural plasmodia
A mass of protoplasm having many cell nuclei but not divided into separate cells. It is formed by the combination of many amoeba-like cells and is characteristic of the active, feeding phase of certain slime molds.
Any of various single-celled organisms (called protozoans) that exist as parasites in vertebrate animals, one of which causes malaria.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.