Porifera

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

/ pɔˈrɪf ər ə, poʊ-, pə- /

noun

an animal phylum comprising the sponges.

Origin of Porifera

1835–45; < New Latin equivalent to Late Latin porus pore² + -i- -i- + -fera, neuter plural of -ferus -ferous

Related formspo·rif·er·an, adjective, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for porifera

The sponges have received the name of Porifera, on account of the structure above described.
Stories of the Universe: Animal Life|B. Lindsay
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 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

Word Origin and History for porifera

Porifera

1843, Modern Latin, literally "bearing pores," neuter plural of porifer, from Latin porus "pore, opening" (see pore (n.)) + -fer "bearing" (see infer). Related: Poriferal; poriferous.