Porifera

[ paw-rif-er-uh, poh-, puh- ]

/ pɔˈrɪf ər ə, poʊ-, pə- /

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noun

an animal phylum comprising the sponges.

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Origin of Porifera

1835–45; <New Latin equivalent to Late Latin poruspore² + -i--i- + -fera, neuter plural of -ferus-ferous

po·rif·er·an, adjective, noun

The sponges have received the name of Porifera, on account of the structure above described.
Stories of the Universe: Animal Life|B. Lindsay
The later stages in the development of the larv of the Porifera are not similar to anything we know of in other groups.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume II (of 4)|Francis Maitland Balfour
It appears that in the present unsatisfactory state of our knowledge the larv of the Porifera may be divided into two groups: viz.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume II (of 4)|Francis Maitland Balfour
The walls are perforated by small holes, the pores, from which the name Porifera is derived.
Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa|Nelson Annandale

The phylum Porifera or Spongi includes the simplest of the Metazoa or multicellular animals.
Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa|Nelson Annandale