poriferan

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

/ pɔˈrɪf ər ən, poʊ-, pə- /

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noun

any animal of the phylum Porifera, comprising the sponges.

adjective

belonging or pertaining to the Porifera.

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TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

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Origin of poriferan

First recorded in 1860–65; Porifer(a) + -an

Words nearby poriferan

por favor, porgy, Porgy and Bess, Pori, Porifera, poriferan, poriferous, poriform, porina, porion, Porirua

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

British Dictionary definitions for poriferan

poriferan

/ (pɔːˈrɪfərən) /

noun

any invertebrate of the phylum Porifera, which comprises the sponges

adjective Also: poriferous

of, relating to, or belonging to the phylum Porifera

Word Origin for poriferan

C19: from New Latin porifer bearing pores

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for poriferan

poriferan

[ pə-rĭf′ər-ən ]

See sponge.