pseudopod

English

Etymology

From pseudo- + -pod.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈsuːdə(ʊ)pɒd/

Noun

pseudopod (plural pseudopods or pseudopodia)

  1. (cytology) A temporary projection of the cytoplasm of certain cells, such as phagocytes, or of certain unicellular organisms, such as amoebas, that serves in locomotion. [from 19th c.]
  2. (zoology) A projection acting as a foot in certain insect larvae. [from 19th c.]
  3. By extension, an extension or projection from something. [from 20th c.]
    • 1937, Henry Kuttner, ‘The Salem Horror’:
      A pseudopod of blackness elongated itself from the central mass and like a great tentacle clutched the corpse-like being, dragged it back to the pit and over the brink.

Synonyms

Translations

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