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Glite Dictionary
poriferan

poriferan

9.9
A sea animal like a sponge with a body full of holes that filters water
  • noun
  • /pəˈrɪfərən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : porífero
  • A poriferan filters tiny particles from water through its porous body.

Examples

  • Marine biologists discovered several new species of poriferan on the coral reef.

  • The poriferan is among the simplest of all multicellular animals, lacking true tissues and organs.

  • A poriferan filters tiny particles from water by passing it through its porous body.

  • The poriferan is a fascinating creature found in ocean habitats.

  • Many marine biologists study poriferans to understand their role in the ecosystem.

  • Marine biologists discovered several new species of poriferan living in the coral reef.

  • The poriferan is one of the simplest multicellular animals, characterized by its porous structure.

Synonyms

sponge
vsporiferan
14 5.2

A simple sea animal with many holes that filters water to eat

is the exact scientific name for that same animal type
parazoan
vsporiferan
  • Specialized
9.9

A simple sea animal with many cells, a body of holes, and a fibrous frame that often lives in groups

refers to the specific animal type rather than the broader group

Surface Forms

poriferan singular
poriferans plural

Morphology

poriferan = Porifera (opaque) = porifera + an

The form is derived from a technical taxonomic name (Porifera) and the parts are not productive, so learners cannot derive 'sponge' from the components.

Etymology

The word poriferan comes from the roots porus ('pore') and -fera ('to bear'), so it means 'pore-bearer'. That's why a poriferan is an animal full of tiny holes, like a sponge, that filters water through its body.