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zoophyte. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
zoophyte, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
zoophyte in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
zoophyte you have here. The definition of the word
zoophyte will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
zoophyte, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From zoo- + -phyte, after Middle French zoophyte; later reinforced by scientific Latin Zoophyta.
Pronunciation
Noun
zoophyte (plural zoophytes)
- (biology, historical) An animal thought to have the characteristics of a plant, later specifically an invertebrate of the (former) group Zoophyta, comprising sponges, corals and sea anemones.
- (biology, historical) A plant believed to have the characteristics of an animal, especially a sensitive plant or vegetable lamb.
1665, Robert Hooke, Micrographia, section XIX:And besides, as there are many Zoophyts, and sensitive Plants […] so have we, in some Authors, Instances of Plants turning into Animals, and Animals into Plants, and the like […]
Derived terms
Translations
invertebrate animal which resembles plants
French
Pronunciation
Noun
zoophyte m (plural zoophytes)
- zoophyte
Further reading