tube foot

noun

1. one of numerous small, tubular processes on the ventral body surface of most echinoderms, used for locomotion and grasping.

tube foot

noun

1. any of numerous tubular outgrowths of the body wall of most echinoderms that are used as organs of locomotion and respiration and to aid ingestion of food

tube foot

1. One of the numerous external, fluid-filled muscular tubes of echinoderms, such as the starfish or sea urchin, used for locomotion, respiration, and grasping food or prey.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tube foot¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Muscles and valves inside each tube foot pressurise water that enable it to extend and retract, creating a walking movement, much like human legs but multiplied hundreds of times.

From Scientific American

At the end of each tube foot is a tiny suction cup, much like a kitchen plunger, which can stick to surfaces and allow the starfish to gain traction.

From Scientific American