Polymastigina

plural noun

Poly·​mas·​ti·​gi·​na
-ˌmastəˈjīnə
: an order of small plastic usually parasitic flagellates (subclass Zoomastigina) having several flagella and including various medically or economically important forms (as members of the genera Costia, Chilomastix, Giardia, Hexamita, and Trichomonas)
polymastigine
¦⸗⸗¦mastəˌjīn
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Polymastig-, Polymastix, genus of flagellates (from poly- + Greek mastig-, mastix whip) + -ina

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Cite this Entry

“Polymastigina.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Polymastigina. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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