Cercomonad

/ˈsɜrkoʊˌmoʊnæd/ noun

Definition

A tiny single-celled organism (protozoan) with flagella, belonging to the genus Cercomonas, commonly found in water and soil.

Etymology

From Greek kerkos meaning 'tail' plus monad from monas meaning 'unit' or 'singular.' The 'tail' refers to the flagellum, a whip-like structure for movement.

Kelly Says

Cercomonads are one of the tiniest organisms you can study, and they're basically just a nucleus with a tail—so basic that scientists use them to understand how life itself works at the simplest level.

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