zoophyte

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See also: zoöphyte

English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From zoo- +‎ -phyte, after Middle French zoophyte; later reinforced by scientific Latin Zoophyta.

Pronunciation

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  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈzəʊəfaɪt/, /ˈzuːfaɪt/

Noun

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zoophyte (plural zoophytes)

  1. (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. [from 17th c.]
  2. (biology, historical) A plant believed to have the characteristics of an animal, especially a sensitive plant or vegetable lamb. [from 17th c.]
    • 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

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Translations

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French

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Pronunciation

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  • Audio:(file)

Noun

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zoophyte m (plural zoophytes)

  1. zoophyte

Further reading

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