NYT Dictionary

AMOEBA

/əˈmiːbə/
Nouna-MOE-baa-moe-ba · 3 syllablesGrade 8

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2020, 2022, 2024, 2025

Meaning

A member of the genus Amoeba of unicellular protozoa that moves by means of temporary projections called pseudopodia.

Etymology

Origin: Ancient Greek

From Ancient Greek ἀμοιβή (amoibḗ, “change”), referring to constantly changing shape of these organisms.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

amoeboidamebaamebiceuglenaadenovirusaerobeanaerobeanimalculebacillusbacteria

Antonyms

mastigote

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 4 recorded puzzles:

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