tube foot

noun

1. one of numerous small, tubular processes on the ventral body surface of most echinoderms, used for locomotion and grasping.

tube foot

noun

1. any of numerous tubular outgrowths of the body wall of most echinoderms that are used as organs of locomotion and respiration and to aid ingestion of food

tube foot

1. One of the numerous external, fluid-filled muscular tubes of echinoderms, such as the starfish or sea urchin, used for locomotion, respiration, and grasping food or prey.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tube foot¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

If an ampulla be inflated and then pressed, the corresponding tube-foot will be seen to extend.

From Project Gutenberg

At the base of each tube-foot there is a globular reservoir, or ampulla.

From Project Gutenberg