Amphioxuses

/æmfɪˈɒksəsɪz/ noun

Definition

Plural form of amphioxus; multiple specimens of these small marine filter-feeding organisms belonging to the phylum Chordata.

Etymology

From 'amphioxus' + English plural '-es', which became standard for Latinized scientific names in English. The term preserves the Greek singular while adding English pluralization.

Kelly Says

Scientists studying multiple amphioxuses discovered they filter-feed by pumping water through their mouths—up to 300 times per hour—making them tiny biological powerhouses despite being nearly invisible.

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