Cytopyge

/ˈsaɪtəpaɪdʒ/ noun

Definition

The posterior or rear region of a single-celled organism's body.

Etymology

From cyto- (Greek kytos, 'cell') + -pyge (Greek puge, 'rump' or 'posterior'). This term was developed by protozoologists studying the anatomy of microscopic organisms in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

This word reveals how scientists anthropomorphize even single-celled creatures by giving their different regions human-like names—the 'rear end' of a paramecium is as important to its survival as yours is to you!

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