suctorian

noun

suc·​to·​ri·​an ˌsək-ˈtȯr-ē-ən How to pronounce suctorian (audio)
: any of a class or subclass (Suctoria) of complex protozoans which are ciliated only early in development and in which the mature form is fixed to the substrate, lacks locomotor organelles or a mouth, and obtains food through specialized suctorial tentacles

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Suctoria, from neuter plural of suctorius suctorial

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of suctorian was circa 1842

Dictionary Entries Near suctorian

Cite this Entry

“Suctorian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suctorian. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

suctorian

noun
suc·​to·​ri·​an -ē-ən How to pronounce suctorian (audio)
: any protozoan of the class Suctoria

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