poriferan

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

noun

1. any animal of the phylum Porifera, comprising the sponges.

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the Porifera.

poriferan

/ pɔːˈrɪfərən /

noun

1. any invertebrate of the phylum Porifera, which comprises the sponges

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the phylum Porifera

Word History and Origins

Origin of poriferan¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of poriferan¹

C19: from New Latin porifer bearing pores