toxoplasma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “toxoplasma” mean?
A microscopic, single-celled parasite of the genus Toxoplasma.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A microscopic, single-celled parasite of the genus Toxoplasma.
Refers specifically to Toxoplasma gondii, a common intracellular parasite capable of infecting most warm-blooded animals, with cats as the definitive host. Infection (toxoplasmosis) is typically asymptomatic but can cause serious complications in immunocompromised individuals and during pregnancy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, usage, or spelling.
Connotations
None.
Frequency
Equally rare in non-specialist discourse in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “toxoplasma” in a Sentence
Infection with toxoplasmaPresence of toxoplasmaAntibodies to toxoplasmaA test for toxoplasmaThe toxoplasma parasiteVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “toxoplasma” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The toxoplasma serology came back positive.
- They studied toxoplasma prevalence in the UK sheep population.
American English
- A toxoplasma antibody test was ordered.
- The research focused on toxoplasma genetics.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Primary context. Used in research papers, textbooks, and lectures in parasitology, medicine, veterinary science, and biology.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. Might appear in public health advisories for pregnant women or articles about pet cats.
Technical
Core context. Used in medical diagnostics, patient records (e.g., 'toxoplasmosis'), veterinary reports, and laboratory settings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “toxoplasma”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “toxoplasma”
- Confusing 'toxoplasma' (the parasite) with 'toxoplasmosis' (the disease).
- Incorrect plural: 'toxoplasmas' is acceptable, but 'toxoplasma' is often used as a mass noun (like 'bacteria').
- Misspelling: 'toxoplasm', 'toxoplazma'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Toxoplasma is the name of the parasite. Toxoplasmosis is the name of the disease caused by infection with this parasite.
Common routes include consuming undercooked contaminated meat, unwashed vegetables, or water containing toxoplasma cysts, or accidentally ingesting the parasite from contact with cat faeces (e.g., gardening, cleaning litter boxes).
No. For most people with healthy immune systems, a primary infection is mild or asymptomatic and then becomes a dormant (latent) infection for life, causing no problems.
If a woman contracts a primary toxoplasma infection during pregnancy, the parasite can cross the placenta and potentially cause severe eye or brain damage to the unborn baby (congenital toxoplasmosis).
A microscopic, single-celled parasite of the genus Toxoplasma.
Toxoplasma is usually technical/scientific in register.
Toxoplasma: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɒksə(ʊ)ˈplazmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɑːksoʊˈplæzmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: TOXIC PLASMA. A "toxic" parasite that lives in the cell's cytoplasm (a jelly-like "plasma").
Conceptual Metaphor
A HIDDEN INVADER / A SLEEPING THREAT (due to its ability to form latent cysts in tissue).
Practice
Quiz
What is the definitive host for Toxoplasma gondii?