bryozoan

bry·o·zo·an

B0519200 (brī′ə-zō′ən)n. Any of various small aquatic animals of the phylum Bryozoa that form encrusting or branching colonies attached to surfaces such as rocks, pilings, and seaweed. Also called moss animal.

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[From New Latin Bryozōa, phylum name : bryo- + Greek zōia, pl. of zōion, animal; see -zoon.]

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bry′o·zo′an adj.

bryozoan

(ˌbraɪəˈzəʊən) n (Animals) any aquatic invertebrate animal of the phylum Bryozoa, forming colonies of polyps each having a ciliated feeding organ (lophophore). Also called: polyzoan or ectoproct Popular name: sea mat adj (Animals) of, relating to, or belonging to the Bryozoa[C19: from Greek bruon moss + zōion animal]

bry•o•zo•an

(ˌbraɪ əˈzoʊ ən)

n. 1. Also called moss animal. any marine or freshwater colonial animal of the phylum Bryozoa, forming branching, encrusting, or gelatinous mosslike masses. adj. 2. belonging to the Bryozoa. [1870–75; < New Latin Bryozo(a) (see bryo-, -zoa) + -an¹]

bry·o·zo·an

(brī′ə-zō′ən) Any of various small aquatic animals that reproduce by budding and form moss-like or branching colonies attached to stones or seaweed.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

bryozoan - sessile aquatic animal forming mossy colonies of small polyps each having a curved or circular ridge bearing tentacles; attach to stones or seaweed and reproduce by buddingmoss animal, polyzoan, sea mat, sea mossinvertebrate - any animal lacking a backbone or notochord; the term is not used as a scientific classificationBryozoa, phylum Bryozoa, polyzoa - marine or freshwater animals that form colonies of zooids