Halichondroid

/ˌhælɪˈkɒndroɪd/ adjective

Definition

Resembling or relating to the characteristics of halichondria sponges; having similar structure or properties to members of the halichondria genus.

Etymology

From 'halichondria' plus the suffix '-oid' (resembling or similar to). Used in taxonomy and biology to describe comparative similarity.

Kelly Says

The '-oid' suffix is scientific shorthand for 'looks like but isn't quite'—it lets biologists describe things that are similar enough to matter but different enough to distinguish.

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