Aplacophora

/ˌeɪpləˈkɒfərə/ noun

Definition

A class of small, worm-like marine mollusks lacking a shell, found on the ocean floor in deep water.

Etymology

From 'a-' (without) plus Greek 'plax' (plate) plus 'phora' (bearing). Named for their lack of a shell plate, unlike most mollusks. Formalized as a zoological class in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

Aplacophora mollusks are so weird that scientists didn't understand them for decades—they're actually closer to squids than to snails, despite being tiny ocean worms!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.