trochophore

[ trok-uh-fawr, -fohr ]

noun

, Zoology.

1. a ciliate, free-swimming larva common to several groups of invertebrates, as many mollusks and rotifers.

trochophore

/ ˈtrɒkəsˌfɪə; ˈtrɒkəˌfɔː /

noun

1. the ciliated planktonic larva of many invertebrates, including polychaete worms, molluscs, and rotifers

Word History and Origins

Origin of trochophore¹

1890–95; < Greek trochó ( s ) wheel + -phore

Word History and Origins

Origin of trochophore¹

C19: from Greek trokhos wheel + -phore