zoophyte

noun

zoo·​phyte ˈzō-ə-ˌfīt How to pronounce zoophyte (audio)
: an invertebrate animal (such as a coral or sponge) more or less resembling a plant in appearance or mode of growth

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French zoophite, zoophyte, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Greek zōóphyton, from zōo- zoo- + phytón "plant" — more at phyto-

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zoophyte was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near zoophyte

Zoophyta

zoophyte

zooplankter

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Zoophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zoophyte. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

zoophyte

noun
zoo·​phyte ˈzō-ə-ˌfīt How to pronounce zoophyte (audio)
: an invertebrate animal (as a coral or sponge) more or less resembling a plant in appearance or mode of growth
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