toxoplasma

noun

toxo·​plas·​ma ˌtäk-sə-ˈplaz-mə How to pronounce toxoplasma (audio)
: any of a genus (Toxoplasma) of parasitic protozoans that are typically serious pathogens of vertebrates
toxoplasmic
ˌtäk-sə-ˈplaz-mik How to pronounce toxoplasma (audio)
adjective

Examples of toxoplasma in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Royal Society paper, written by an international team led by Stefanie K. Johnson, an associate professor of management at the University of Colorado Boulder, goes a step further by linking toxoplasma to entrepreneurship. — Mark Barna, Discover Magazine, 25 July 2018 The type of toxoplasma found in their bodies, known as COUG, was first discovered in Canadian mountain lions in 1995. — Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 24 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of toxoplasma was in 1926

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“Toxoplasma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toxoplasma. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

toxoplasma

noun
toxo·​plas·​ma ˌtäk-sə-ˈplaz-mə How to pronounce toxoplasma (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of sporozoans that are typically serious pathogens of vertebrates
2
plural toxoplasmas or toxoplasmata -mət-ə How to pronounce toxoplasma (audio) also toxoplasma : any microorganism of the genus Toxoplasma
toxoplasmic
-mik How to pronounce toxoplasma (audio)
adjective
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