Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

pseudopodia

noun
/ˌsuːdəsˈpoʊdiə/
Definition
Temporary, foot-like extensions of a cell that are used for movement and feeding.
Examples
  • Many amoebas move by extending their pseudopodia to crawl along surfaces.
  • During the feeding process, the pseudopodia can engulf food particles by surrounding them.
  • Some white blood cells use pseudopodia to reach and engulf pathogens.
Meaning
Pseudopodia are protrusions of the cytoplasm that enable certain cells, like amoebas, to move and capture food.
Synonyms
  • False feet
  • Protoplasmic extensions
  • Cellular projections