[rahy-zuh-pod] 
| any of numerous protozoa of the widespread subphylum (or superclass) Rhizopoda, characterized by a pseudopod and comprising most members of the phylum Sarcodina, including the amebas and foraminifers. |
| rhi·zo·pod (rī'zō-pŏd', -zə-) n. A protozoan of the phylum Rhizopoda, such as an amoeba or a radiolarian, characteristically moving and taking in food by means of pseudopods. [From New Latin Rhizopoda, phylum name : rhizo- + New Latin -poda, -pod.] rhi·zop'o·dan (-zŏp'ə-dən) adj. & n., rhi·zop'o·dous adj. |
| rhizopod (rī'zə-pŏd') Pronunciation Key
Any of various protozoans of the group Rhizopoda, characteristically moving and taking in food by means of pseudopods. Rhizopods include amoebas and radiolarians. |
rhizopod
any member of the protozoan superclass Rhizopoda. Three types of pseudopodia (cytoplasmic extensions) used in locomotion and digestion are found in members of this superclass: (1) long, thin reticulopodia, which fuse into a network; (2) nonfusing filopodia, similar to reticulopodia; and (3) blunt and fingerlike lobopodia (the pseudopodia formed by Amoeba). Tests (protective shells) are common. For information on important members of the superclass, see amoeba; Entamoeba; foraminiferan; testacean.
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zəˌpɒd