Pseudopod
/ˈsuːdəˌpɒd/noun
A temporary footlike projection used by some cells and protozoa for movement or feeding.
Did you know?Pseudopod was coined from Greek roots, and its exact same first element appears in words like pseudonym and pseudoscience—built on the ancient idea of something that is deceptive or fake.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
pseûdos
“falsehood, lie, deception”
Ancient Greek
Greek
poús / podós
“foot”
19th Century
English
pseudopod
“a footlike projection of a cell or amoeba”
Modern English
English
pseudopod
“a temporary footlike projection used for movement or feeding”