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metazoan

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌmɛtəˈzoʊən/

KK: /mɛtəˈzoʊən/

noun
Definition

A type of animal that is made up of many cells, which are organized into tissues and organs, and typically has a digestive system.


Example

Humans are metazoans, as they are multicellular organisms with complex structures.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you know that humans are classified as metazoan organisms?
Sloth B
Really? I didn't know that term before!
Sloth A
Yeah, it means we're part of a group with complex body structures.
Sloth B
That's fascinating! I love learning about biology.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
animal
creature
organism
Antonyms
plant
fungus
bacterium
Root Explanation

Metazoan → It is formed from "meta-" (meaning beyond or after) and "zoon" (from Greek "zōon", meaning animal). The term "metazoan" refers to animals that are multicellular and more complex than single-celled organisms, indicating a level of biological organization that is beyond simple life forms.

Memory Tip

Think of 'meta-' meaning beyond and 'zoon' meaning animal — this helps you remember that a metazoan is a more complex, multicellular animal.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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