Endostylar

/ˌɛndoʊˈstaɪlər/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the endostyle, a structure in some marine organisms used for food collection and nutrient processing.

Etymology

From endo- (Greek 'within') + stylar (from Latin stylus, 'pillar'). First documented in zoological literature describing features of tunicates.

Kelly Says

The endostyle is basically a tube that works like a combination vacuum and food processor in sea squirts—it's so important that vertebrate thyroids may have evolved from it!

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