Lophophore
/ˈlɒf.ə.fɔːr/noun
A ring or crown of ciliated tentacles used for feeding by brachiopods, bryozoans, and phoronids.
Did you know?The lophophore’s tentacles create currents that draw microscopic food toward the animal, making its crown-like structure a highly efficient biological feeding apparatus.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bher-
“To carry or bear”
Ancient Greek
Greek
φέρω (pherō)
“I carry or bear”
Ancient Greek
Greek
λόφος (lophos)
“Crest, tuft, or hill”
Ancient Greek
Greek
λοφοφόρος (lophophoros)
“Crest-bearing”
19th Century
Scientific Latin/English
lophophore
“A crown-like, tentacular feeding organ”
Modern English
English
lophophore
“A ciliated tentacle crown used for aquatic suspension feeding”
Explore more surprising origins