trophosome

[ trof-uh-sohm, troh-fuh- ]

noun

, Zoology.

1. an organ in deep-sea tube worms that is colonized by bacteria supplying the host worm with food and energy.
2. a similar organ in other marine worms.

Word History and Origins

Origin of trophosome¹

First recorded in 1865–70; tropho- + -some ³

Example Sentences

The trophosome consists of a mass of coenosarcal tubes anastomosing in all planes.

From Project Gutenberg

The polyp-individuals form the nutritive siphosome or trophosome.

From Project Gutenberg