Hemameba

/ˌhɛməˈmiːbə/ noun

Definition

A parasitic microorganism of the genus Plasmodium or similar organism found in blood, often associated with malaria.

Etymology

From 'hemal' (blood-related) + 'amoeba' (from Greek 'amoibe,' meaning to change). The term describes parasites that move through blood like amoebas.

Kelly Says

Malaria parasites were called hemamebas because they were first observed moving through blood like tiny amoebas shape-shifting under the microscope—but they're actually much more complex!

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