coccolithophore

noun

coc·​co·​lith·​o·​phore
ˌkäkōˈlithəˌfō(ə)r,
ˌkäkəˈ-
plural -s
: any of numerous minute mostly marine planktonic biflagellated organisms with brown chromatophores and complex calcareous, less commonly siliceous, shells that are sometimes considered to constitute the family Coccolithophoridae of the order Chrysomonadina
coccolithophorid
¦⸗⸗lə¦thäfərə̇d
-ˌrid
adjective or noun

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Coccolithophora

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Dictionary Entries Near coccolithophore

Cite this Entry

“Coccolithophore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coccolithophore. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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