Porifera

plural noun

Po·​rif·​era
pəˈrif(ə)rə,
pōˈr-
: a phylum of primitive invertebrate animals comprising the sponges and having a cellular grade of construction without true tissue or organ formation but with the body permeated by canals and chambers through which a current of water flows and passes in its course through one or more cavities lined with choanocytes
poriferal
-rəl
adjective
poriferan
-rən
adjective or noun

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin porus pore + -i- + -fera, neuter plural of -fer -ferous

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Dictionary Entries Near Porifera

Cite this Entry

“Porifera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Porifera. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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