Etymology

pseudopod

pseu·do·pod
P3S1E1U1D2O1P3O1D2

Today it means: A temporary projection of the cytoplasm of certain cells, such as phagocytes, or of certain unicellular organisms, such as amoebas, that serves in locomotion. Full definition →

First used 19th c.
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The story

From pseudo- + -pod.

First known use, by meaning

  • from 19th c. A temporary projection of the cytoplasm of certain cells, such as phagocytes, or of certain unicellular organisms, such as amoebas, that serves in locomotion.
  • from 19th c. A projection acting as a foot in certain insect larvae.
  • from 20th c. An extension or projection from something.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.