Zool. Pl. amœb, amœbas. [ad. Gr. ἀμοιβή change, alternation.] A microscopic animalcule (class Protozoa) consisting of a single cell of gelatinous sarcode, the outer layer of which is highly extensile and contractile, and the inner fluid and mobile, so that the shape of the animal is perpetually changing.
1841. T. R. Jones, Anim. Kingd., 52. The Proteus (Amœba E.) … affords a singular example of an acrite animal.
1855. H. Spencer, Psychol. (1872), I. III. iv. 307. The Amœba, a speck of jelly having no constant form, sends out … prolongations of its substance.
1878. Macalister, Invertebr., 22. These amœbæ … are little masses of protoplasm, moving and taking food by means of pseudopodia.
b. Comb. as amœba-like.
1864. H. Spencer, Illust. Progr., 398. Immense numbers of Amœba-like creatures … in a framework of horny fibres, constitute sponge.
