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Glite Dictionary
Aplacophora

Aplacophora

9.9
A small worm-like sea animal with no shell and covered in tiny spines
  • noun
  • /ˌeɪpləˈkɒfərə/
  • Specialized
: aplaquoforos
  • Unlike most mollusks, Aplacophora lack an external shell and have a worm-like appearance.

Examples

  • Scientists have discovered a new species within the Aplacophora order near the deep-sea vents.

  • The Aplacophora play an important role in the benthic ecosystem of the ocean floor.

  • The Aplacophora are fascinating creatures of the ocean.

  • Did you know that Aplacophoras lack a hard shell?

  • Scientists have discovered a new species within the Aplacophora order near the deep-sea vents.

  • Unlike most mollusks, Aplacophora lack an external shell and have a worm-like appearance.

  • The Aplacophora play an important role in the benthic ecosystem of the ocean floor.

Synonyms

order Aplacophora
vsAplacophora
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of shell-less, worm-like sea animals related to snails and clams

focuses on their soft cylindrical body covered with spicules rather than classification

Compounds

order Aplacophora
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of shell-less, worm-like sea animals related to snails and clams

Surface Forms

Aplacophora singular
Aplacophoras plural

Morphology

Aplacophora = Placophora (opaque) = a + placo + phora

Although formed from Greek elements meaning 'without' + 'plate-bearing', the combining forms are specialist and not helpful for average learners to infer the meaning.

Etymology

Aplacophora comes from Greek parts a- 'without', placo 'plate', and -phora 'bearing'. So, Aplacophora means 'bearing no plates', which explains why these mollusks have no shell plates and look worm-like.