protist
noun
pro·tist
ˈprō-(ˌ)tist 
: any of a diverse taxonomic group and especially a kingdom (Protista synonym Protoctista) of eukaryotic organisms that are unicellular and sometimes colonial or less often multicellular and that typically include the protozoans, most algae, and often some fungi (such as slime molds)
Examples of protist in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In a series of experiments, Jennings repeatedly squirted an irritating red dye at some of these ciliated protists sourced from a nearby pond and observed how the organisms reacted.
—
Claire L. Evans, Quanta Magazine, 30 July 2025
Slime molds are now classified as protists, placing them in the same category as most algae.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 June 2025
Know Algae Types Algae can encompass many types of protists.
—Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2025
Once hypothesized as a jellyfish, fungus or even a giant protist, science now favors an animal interpretation.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for protist
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Claire L. Evans, Quanta Magazine, 30 July 2025
Slime molds are now classified as protists, placing them in the same category as most algae.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 June 2025
Know Algae Types Algae can encompass many types of protists.
—Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2025
Once hypothesized as a jellyfish, fungus or even a giant protist, science now favors an animal interpretation.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for protist
Cite this Entry
“Protist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protist. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
protist
noun
pro·tist
ˈprōt-əst
: any of a kingdom of organisms that resemble plants or animals or both, are one-celled and sometimes colonial or less often many-celled, and that typically include the protozoans, most algae, and often some fungi (as slime molds)
Medical Definition
protist
noun
pro·tist
ˈprōt-əst, ˈprō-ˌtist
: any of a diverse taxonomic group and especially a kingdom (Protista synonym Protoctista) of eukaryotic organisms that are unicellular and sometimes colonial or less often multicellular and that typically include the protozoans, most algae, and often some fungi (as slime molds)
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