toxoplasma

American  

[tok-suh-plaz-muh] / ˌtɒk səˈplæz mə /

noun

toxoplasmata, plural toxoplasmas plural

1. any protist of the genus Toxoplasma, especially T. gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• toxoplasmic
  adjective

Inflected Forms

noun

• toxoplasmata
  plural
• toxoplasmas
  plural

Etymology

Origin of toxoplasma

< New Latin Toxoplasma (1909); see toxo-, plasma

Example Sentences

Musk inferred that voters like Swift are suffering the effects of toxoplasma gondii, a single-celled parasite that is carried by cats.

From Salon • Sep. 11, 2024

“All mammals and all birds are thought to be possible toxoplasma carriers, and can be infected by the parasite, they have proven it in over 250 species,” Conrad told Salon.

From Salon • Aug. 4, 2019

Another recent theory is to do with a parasite called toxoplasma gondii.

From The Guardian • Apr. 16, 2018

This group, which also includes parasites like toxoplasma, accounts for 3.9 million cases of illness a year.

From New York Times • Dec. 16, 2010

Further, cats can pose a risk to public health by spreading diseases such as rabies and toxoplasma.

From National Geographic