Definition

A type of organism that can be a parasite causing malaria or a stage in the life cycle of slime molds, characterized by a mass of cytoplasm with multiple nuclei.

Example

The doctor explained that plasmodium is responsible for the spread of malaria in tropical regions.

Conversation

Did you know that plasmodium is the cause of malaria?

Yeah, I've heard about it, but I don't know much more than that.

It's actually a type of protozoan that infects red blood cells.

That's interesting! I should read more about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Plasmodium → It is formed from "plasma" (from Greek "plasma", meaning something molded or formed) and the suffix "-dium" (a diminutive suffix in scientific terminology). The word "plasmodium" refers to a form of protoplasm or a mass of cytoplasm that is not divided into cells, often used in biological contexts.

Memory Tip

Think of 'plasma' as something that is 'molded' or 'formed' — that's why 'plasmodium' refers to a mass of protoplasm.

Visually Confused Words