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pseudopod

/ˌsudəˈpɑd/

Other forms: pseudopods

In biology, the word pseudopod means a temporary growth on a cell that allows it to be mobile, almost like a little foot. Amoebas use pseudopods to move around.

Pseudopod, short for the Modern Latin pseudopodium, comes from the Greek roots psuedo-, "false or fake," and podion, "little foot." The cells that grow these tiny, fake feet (also described as "arm-like") use them as a temporary way of moving from one place to another, essentially by scooting or oozing along. Pseudopods are sometimes also used for feeding.

Definitions of pseudopod
  1. noun
    temporary outgrowth used by some microorganisms as an organ of feeding or locomotion
    synonyms: pseudopodium
    see moresee less
    type of:
    appendage, outgrowth, process
    a natural prolongation or projection from a part of an organism either animal or plant
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