amoeba , (U.S.) ameba
n pl , -bae , -bas any protozoan of the phylum Rhizopoda, esp. any of the genus Amoeba, able to change shape because of the movements of cell processes (pseudopodia). They live in fresh water or soil or as parasites in man and animals
(C19: from New Latin, from Greek amoibe change, from ameibein to change, exchange)
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amoebic (U.S.)
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amebic adj