plasmodium
UK[plæzˈməʊ.di.əm]US[plæzˈmoʊ.di.əm]
n
a parasitic protozoan of a genus which includes the causative agents of malaria.
n
a multinucleate mass of protoplasm with no distinct cells, formed by the aggregation of amoeboid cells, as in some slime molds.
Morpheme Breakdown
plasm
odium
plasm
form, substance
odium
resembling, like
Etymology
the word plasmodium is a modern latin construction, coined in the 19th century for scientific classification. it combines the greek root 'plasm-', denoting something molded or formed, with the suffix '-odium', derived from greek '-oeidēs', meaning 'having the form of'. the term literally describes an entity that resembles a molded, formless mass. this aptly describes the physical appearance of the multinucleate, amoeboid stage in the life cycle of certain parasites and slime molds, where the protoplasm flows and changes shape without distinct cellular boundaries.
Analysis
Structure: plasm (form, substance) + odium (resembling, like)
plasm originates from greek 'plasma' (something molded or formed). odium originates from greek '-oeidēs' (like, resembling), which entered latin as '-oides' and later english as '-oid', here adapted to '-odium' in the scientific latin formation.
Examples
the plasmodium stage of the slime mold moves slowly across the forest floor.
malaria is caused by a plasmodium transmitted through mosquito bites.
under the microscope, the plasmodium appeared as a large, irregular mass of cytoplasm containing many nuclei.