Basommatophora

/bæsoʊˌmætəˈfɔːrə/ noun

Definition

A group of land snails that lack stalked eyes, instead having eyes located at the base of their tentacles.

Etymology

From Greek 'basis' (base), 'omma' (eye), and '-phora' (bearing or carrying), literally meaning 'base-eye-bearing.'

Kelly Says

While many snails have eyes at the tips of long tentacles, basommatophora put their eyes at the base—this simple anatomical difference creates such distinct snails that biologists made it a major classification group.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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