infusorian Hear it!

infusorian definition

in·fu·so·rian (-ən)

noun

  1. any of a former large group (Infusoria) of microscopic animals found in infusions of decayed organic matter and in stagnant water
  2. any of a former class (Infusoria) of protozoans found in most water, characterized by cilia which permit free movement, as paramecia or stentors

Etymology: < ModL (animalcula infusoria), neut. pl. of infusorius, pertaining to infusions (< L infusus: see infuse) + -an

adjective

of this group or class

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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