Heliozoa

plural noun

He·​lio·​zoa
ˌhēlēəˈzōə
: an order of Actinopoda consisting of free-living holozoic usually freshwater protozoans that reproduce by binary fission or budding and comprise the sun animalcules see actinophrys, actinopoda, actinosphaerium
heliozoan adjective or noun
heliozoic
-ōik
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from heli- entry 1 + -zoa

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Heliozoa was circa 1889

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Heliozoa

Cite this Entry

“Heliozoa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Heliozoa. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!