Brachiopoda

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Brachiopoda \Brach`i*op"o*da\, n. [NL., from Gr. ? arm + -poda.]
     (Zool.)
     A class of Molluscoidea having a symmetrical bivalve shell,
     often attached by a fleshy peduncle.
     [1913 Webster]
  


     Note: Within the shell is a pair of "arms," often long and
           spirally coiled, bearing rows of ciliated tentacles by
           which a current of water is made to flow into the
           mantle cavity, bringing the microscopic food to the
           mouth between the bases of the arms. The shell is both
           opened and closed by special muscles. They form two
           orders; Lyopoma, in which the shell is thin, and
           without a distinct hinge, as in Lingula; and
           Arthropoma, in which the firm calcareous shell has a
           regular hinge, as in Rhynchonella. See {Arthropomata}.
           [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  Brachiopoda
       n : marine invertebrates that resemble mollusks [syn: {phylum
           Brachiopoda}]