Cyclocoelous

/ˌsaɪ.kloʊ.ˈsiːl.əs/ adjective

Definition

An alternate adjectival form describing organisms with a circular or ring-like body cavity arrangement.

Etymology

From cyclo- (Greek kyklos, 'circle') + -coelous (from Greek koilia, 'cavity'), using the -ous suffix for adjectives. A variant of cyclocoelic used in zoological classification.

Kelly Says

The difference between -ic and -ous endings here is subtle—both describe the same body cavity arrangement, but the -ous form was more common in older naturalist descriptions of radial animals.

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