Etymology

Coined in 1894 by Walter Migula, who did not give an etymology. Probably from pseudo- +‎ Monas ("false Monas"), referring to the resemblance of the cells to those of the nanoflagellate Monas in both size and active motility. Literally pseudo- ‎(“false”) + monas ‎(“unit”), from Ancient Greek ψευδής ‎(pseudḗs) + μονάς ‎(monás).