sporozoan

noun

spo·​ro·​zo·​an ˌspȯr-ə-ˈzō-ən 

: any of a large class (Sporozoa) of strictly parasitic nonmotile protozoans that have a complex life cycle usually involving both asexual and sexual generations often in different hosts and include important pathogens (such as malaria parasites and babesias)

sporozoan adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Sporozoa, from spor- + -zoa

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sporozoan

noun

spo·​ro·​zo·​an ˌspōr-ə-ˈzō-ən 

ˌspȯr-

: any of a large group of parasitic one-celled animals (as the parasites that cause malaria) that have a complicated life cycle usually involving both asexual and sexual generations often in different hosts

sporozoan adjective

Medical Definition

sporozoan

noun

spo·​ro·​zo·​an ˌspōr-ə-ˈzō-ən, ˌspȯr- 

: any protozoan of the class Sporozoa

sporozoan adjective