amphioxus
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.am·phi·ox·us
noun \ˌam(p)-fē-ˈäk-səs\ plural -oxi \-ˌsī\ or am·phi·ox·us·es
Definition of AMPHIOXUS
: any of a genus (Branchiostoma) of lancelets; broadly : lancelet
See Origin of AMPHIOXUS
New Latin, from amphi- + Greek oxys sharp
First Known Use: 1847
am·phi·ox·us
noun \ˌam(p)-fē-ˈäk-səs\ (Medical Dictionary)plural ; -oxi \-ˌsī, -ˌsē\ (audio pronunciation) (audio pronunciation)or ; am·phi·ox·us·es
Medical Definition of AMPHIOXUS
: a lancelet of the genus Branchiostoma; broadly : lancelet
amphioxus
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Any of certain small marine chordates (invertebrate subphylum Cephalochordata) found widely on tropical and subtropical coasts and less commonly in temperate waters. Seldom more than 3 in. (8 cm) long, they resemble small, slender fishes without eyes or a definite head. They are grouped in several species in two genera (Branchiostoma or Amphioxus, and Epigonichthyes or Asymmetron). They spend much of their time buried in gravel or mud on the ocean bottom, though they are able to swim, and feed by filtering food particles from water passing through their gill slits. They have no brain or distinct heart.
Variants of AMPHIOXUS
amphioxus or lancelet
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