protista Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun eukaryotic one-celled living organisms distinct from multicellular plants and animals: protozoa, slime molds, and eukaryotic algae
    division Protista.

WordNet

Pro*tis"ta noun plural
Etymology
NL., fr. Gr. prw`tistos first.
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) A provisional group in which are placed a number of low microscopic organisms of doubtful nature. Some are probably plants, others animals.

Webster 1913