Celom

/ˈsiːloʊm/ noun

Definition

A body cavity in animals, lined with tissue, that contains the internal organs; also spelled coelom.

Etymology

From Greek koiloma meaning hollow or cavity. The word entered scientific terminology in the 1800s to describe this fundamental animal body structure.

Kelly Says

Having a celom was a huge evolutionary breakthrough—it gave organs their own compartment with cushioning and space to move, which is why animals with celoms (like you!) are more complex than jellyfish!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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