Pseudopod

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈsuːdÉ™(ÊŠ)pÉ’d/

Origin

From - + pod + -.

Full definition of pseudopod

Noun

1. (cytology) A temporary projection of the cytoplasm of certain cells, such as phagocytes, or of certain unicellular organisms, such as amoebas, that serves in locomotion. from 19th c.
2. (zoology) A projection acting as a foot in certain insect larvae. from 19th c.
3. By extension, an extension or projection from something. from 20th c.
• 1937, Henry Kuttner, ‘The Salem Horror’:A pseudopod of blackness elongated itself from the central mass and like a great tentacle clutched the corpse-like being, dragged it back to the pit and over the brink.

Synonyms

• pseudopodium