Definition

A type of single-celled organism that can cause disease in humans and other animals, particularly known for causing dysentery.

Example

Entamoeba histolytica is known to cause severe intestinal infections in humans.

Conversation

I was reading about entamoeba in my biology class today.

Oh really? What did you learn about it?

It's a type of parasite that can cause some serious health issues, like dysentery.

Wow, that sounds pretty dangerous; I had no idea about that!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Entamoeba → It is formed from "enta-" (from Greek "entos", meaning within) and "amoeba" (from Greek "amoibē", meaning change or alteration). The word "entamoeba" refers to an organism that changes or alters within, specifically a type of amoeba that lives in the intestines of its host.

Memory Tip

Think of 'within' ('enta-') and 'change' ('amoeba') to remember that 'entamoeba' refers to an organism that changes within the intestines.

Visually Confused Words