Cormidium

/kɔːrˈmɪdiəm/ noun

Definition

In colonial organisms like hydroids, a specialized unit that resembles a complete individual polyp but serves a specific function within the colony.

Etymology

From corm plus the Latin suffix -idium (meaning 'little' or 'diminutive'), literally 'little corm.' Scientific terminology borrowed the plant structure concept for marine colonial animals.

Kelly Says

Cormidia are like the specialized castes in an ant colony—some are dedicated to feeding, others to reproduction, and some even to defense, all within a single connected organism called a corm.

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