monocellular

[/ˌmɒnoʊˈsɛljələr/]
adjective
unicelular
1. Composed of or containing a single cell; referring to organisms or structures that consist of only one cell
Bacteria are monocellular organisms that reproduce through binary fission.
As bactérias são organismos unicelulares que se reproduzem por divisão binária.
2. In biology, describing living things without specialized tissues or organs, existing as a single functional unit
Amoebas are monocellular protozoans found in freshwater environments.
As amebas são protozoários unicelulares encontrados em ambientes de água doce.
The term 'monocellular' is primarily used in scientific and academic contexts in both English-speaking and Portuguese-speaking countries. In Brazil, 'unicelular' is the standard term taught in biology classes and used in scientific literature. The word reflects the international nature of scientific terminology, with both 'monocellular' and 'unicellular' being technically correct, though 'unicellular' has become more prevalent in contemporary scientific usage.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
unicellularsingle-celledone-celled
Antonyms / Antônimos
multicellularpolycellularmulticelled

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
unicelular
Standard term used in scientific and educational contexts
Portugal
unicelular
Identical usage to Brazilian Portuguese; preferred in academic writing
Scientific English
monocellular/unicellular
Both terms are acceptable, though 'unicellular' is more common in modern usage

Related Words

cellorganismprokaryoteeukaryotemicroorganismbacteriaprotozoa

Related Idioms & Phrases

monocellular organism
monocellular life form
monocellular structure
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