schizont

noun

schiz·​ont ˈski-ˌzänt How to pronounce schizont (audio) ˈskit-ˌsänt How to pronounce schizont (audio)
: a multinucleate sporozoan that reproduces by schizogony

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Schizont, from Greek schízein "to split, part, separate" + German -ont -ont — more at shed entry 1

Note: The term was introduced by the German zoologist Fritz Schaudinn (1871-1906) in "Untersuchungen über den Generationswechsel bei Coccidien," Zoologische Jahrbücher. Abtheilung für Anatomie und Ontogenie der Thiere, 13. Band (1900), p. 213.

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of schizont was in 1900

Browse Nearby Words

Schizonemertea
schizont
schizopelmous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Schizont.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/schizont. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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Medical Definition

schizont

noun
schiz·​ont ˈskiz-ˌänt How to pronounce schizont (audio) ˈskit-ˌsänt How to pronounce schizont (audio)
: a multinucleate sporozoan (as a malaria parasite) that reproduces by schizogony

called also agamont, segmenter

More from Merriam-Webster on schizont

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about schizont

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