1. Also called: protozoon (ˌprəʊtəˈzəʊɒn)Word forms: plural-zoa (-ˈzəʊə)
any of various minute unicellular organisms formerly regarded as invertebrates of the phylum Protozoa but now usually classified in certain phyla of protoctists. Protozoans include flagellates, ciliates, sporozoans, amoebas, and foraminifers
adjective also: protozoic
2.
of or relating to protozoans
Word origin
C19: via New Latin from Greek proto- + zōion animal
Examples of 'protozoa' in a sentence
protozoa
Everyone knew that they came first - the micro-organisms, the protozoa, the bacteria.
Mark Mills AMAGANSETT (2004)
There are two more involving algae and protozoa, but these will only confuse us.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Filtration is the most effective way to remove the protozoa, but it is expensive.
Globe and Mail (2003)
Only after this time did large cells and complex creatures emerge - protozoa, plants, animals, fungi.