tetrahymena

noun

tet·​ra·​hy·​me·​na ˌte-trə-ˈhī-mə-nə How to pronounce tetrahymena (audio)
: any of a genus (Tetrahymena) of ciliate protozoans

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from tetra- + Greek hymēn membrane

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tetrahymena was in 1962

Dictionary Entries Near tetrahymena

Cite this Entry

“Tetrahymena.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tetrahymena. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

tetrahymena

noun
tet·​ra·​hy·​me·​na -ˈhī-mə-nə How to pronounce tetrahymena (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of free-living ciliate protozoans much used for genetic and biochemical research
2
: any ciliate protozoan of the genus Tetrahymena
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