Deuterostomatous

/ˌdjuːtərɒˈstɒmətəs/ adjective

Definition

Characterized by or relating to an organism that has a secondary mouth or mouth-like opening, or belonging to the deuterostome group.

Etymology

From Greek deuteros (second) + stoma (mouth) + -ous (possessing the quality of). The adjectival form describing organisms with the deuterostome developmental pattern.

Kelly Says

This fancy word is scientists' way of saying 'your mouth and butt developed separately'—and it actually connects you evolutionarily to echinoderms like starfish more than to insects, even though that seems weird!

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