madreporite

American  

[mad-ruh-pawr-ahyt, -pohr-, muh-drep-uh-rahyt] / ˈmæd rəˌpɔr aɪt, -ˌpoʊr-, məˈdrɛp əˌraɪt /

noun

1. a sievelike plate in certain echinoderms, through which water passes into the vascular system.

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Etymology

Origin of madreporite

First recorded in 1795–1805; madrepore + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Water enters the madreporite on the aboral side of the echinoderm.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

A structure called a madreporite connects to the central ring, and protrudes from the upper surface of the sea star, next to the anus.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

A structure on top of the body, called the madreporite, regulates the amount of water in the water vascular system.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

The madreporite is the point of entry and exit for water for the water vascular system.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

There are five prominent mouth-shields and a separate madreporite on the ventral surface.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 10 "Echinoderma" to "Edward" by Various