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Pteropoda

plural noun
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Pte·​rop·​o·​da | \ təˈräpədə, teˈr- \

Definition of Pteropoda

: a division of Tectibranchia formerly ranked as a separate class of Mollusca comprising small hermaphroditic gastropod mollusks having the anterior lobes of the foot developed in the form of broad thin winglike organs with which they swim at or near the surface of the sea, usually lacking gills, and frequently lacking a shell

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History and Etymology for Pteropoda

New Latin, from pter- + -poda

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Cite this Entry

“Pteropoda.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Pteropoda. Accessed 18 Jan. 2021.

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