madreporite

noun

mad·​re·​por·​ite ˈma-drə-ˌpȯr-ˌīt How to pronounce madreporite (audio)
: a perforated or porous body that is situated at the distal end of the stone canal in echinoderms

Examples of madreporite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The arm opposite the madreporite is arm number 1, and the rest are numbered clockwise. —Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 17 Jan. 2012 Starfish have a small wart-like valve called a madreporite, which allows water into their bodies. —Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 17 Jan. 2012

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'madreporite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

madrepore + -ite entry 1 (segment); from the resemblances of the perforations to those of a madrepore

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of madreporite was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near madreporite

madreporiform

madreporite

Madrid

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Madreporite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/madreporite. Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.

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More from Merriam-Webster on madreporite

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about madreporite

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