zoophyte

[ zoh-uh-fahyt ]

noun

1. any of various invertebrate animals resembling a plant, as a coral or a sea anemone.

zoophyte

/ ˌzəʊəˈfɪtɪk; ˈzəʊəˌfaɪt /

noun

1. any animal resembling a plant, such as a sea anemone

Derived Forms

• zoophytic, adjective

Other Words From

• zo·o·phyt·ic [zoh-, uh, -, fit, -ik], zoo·phyti·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of zoophyte¹

1615–25; < New Latin zōophyton < Greek zōióphyton. See zoo-, -phyte

Example Sentences

The date of its manufacture coincides with the time when Darwin was studying zoophytes, organisms such as coral and sea anemone.

From Reuters

This was not compassion that the ecstacies with which a zoophyte was discovered, or the glad cries with which a bit of sundew was hailed, must be such transient joys.

From Project Gutenberg

Several zoophytes, that do not possess the organs of vision, are perfectly alive to its influence.

From Project Gutenberg

These wondrous phenomena of nature belong to the genus hydra, class vermes, order zoophyte; the distinguishing character of which is, that if any part of the body be severed, it instantly becomes a perfect animal.

From Project Gutenberg

These little pools along the rocky coast are the homes of countless numbers of zoophytes—animals which have a stronger resemblance to plants and flowers than any we have found in fresh water.

From Project Gutenberg