Polytoma

noun

Poly·​to·​ma
ˌpälēˈtōmə,
-lə̇ˈt-
: a common genus of colorless saprozoic plantlike flagellates (order Phytomonadina) having paired anterior flagella, lacking chromatophores, and being widely distributed in stagnant freshwater

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from poly- + -toma (from Greek temnein to cut)

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Cite this Entry

“Polytoma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Polytoma. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

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