entoproct

9.9

A small water animal without a backbone that forms colonies and has mouth and anus inside a ring of tentacles

noun
/ˈɛntəˌproʊkt/

Specialized

: entoprocto

Each entoproct polyp has its mouth and anus within a closed circle of tentacles.

Examples

Colonies of entoproct can often be seen under a microscope thanks to their distinctive ring of tentacles.
The marine biologist studied several species of entoproct found attached to seaweed.
An entoproct is often found in freshwater environments.
Many entoprocts can form complex colonies.
Colonies of entoproct can often be seen under a microscope thanks to their distinctive ring of tentacles.
Each entoproct polyp has its mouth and anus within a closed circle of tentacles.
The marine biologist studied several species of entoproct found attached to seaweed.

Surface Forms

entoproct singular

entoprocts plural

Morphology

entoproct = Entoprocta (opaque) = ento + proct

The relation to the taxonomic name 'Entoprocta' is direct (a member-of relation), so the immediate-base relation is clear.

Etymology

Entoproct comes from Greek parts en- 'within' and proct 'anus'. So the name fits these tiny animals: their anus is inside a ring of tentacles, with mouth and anus both sitting within the same crown.