A genus of freshwater protozoans with radiating pseudopodia that extend from their spherical bodies, giving them a sun-like appearance.
From actino- (ray) + Greek ophry- (eyebrow), possibly referring to the eye-like appearance of the cell nucleus. Named by early naturalists who saw their radiating arms.
Under a microscope, Actinophrys sol (the sun animalcule) looks so alien that 1800s naturalists thought they'd discovered an entirely new form of life—when they were just observing single cells eating bacteria!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.