lophophore: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Specialized / Very LowAcademic / Scientific / Zoological
Quick answer
What does “lophophore” mean?
A crown of ciliated tentacles around the mouth of certain aquatic invertebrates, used for feeding.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A crown of ciliated tentacles around the mouth of certain aquatic invertebrates, used for feeding.
The characteristic feeding apparatus found in three phyla of filter-feeding animals: Bryozoa, Phoronida, and Brachiopoda. It functions to create water currents and capture suspended food particles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical, with no regional connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of specific biological texts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “lophophore” in a Sentence
The [organism] possesses a lophophore.A lophophore is present in [taxonomic group].Food is captured by the lophophore.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lophophore” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- lophophoral structure
- lophophorate phyla
American English
- lophophoral cavity
- lophophorate animals
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in invertebrate zoology, marine biology, and paleontology texts.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in the anatomical description of lophophorate animals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lophophore”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lophophore”
- Using 'lophophore' to refer to the entire animal (it is a part of the animal).
- Misspelling as 'lophaphone' or 'lophopore'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specific anatomical structure found only in three related phyla: Bryozoa, Phoronida, and Brachiopoda.
Its primary function is filter feeding, creating water currents with ciliated tentacles to capture microscopic food particles.
In some larger species, like certain brachiopods, it may be visible, but often a microscope is needed to observe its detailed structure.
No, it is a highly specialized term restricted to academic and scientific contexts in zoology.
A crown of ciliated tentacles around the mouth of certain aquatic invertebrates, used for feeding.
Lophophore is usually academic / scientific / zoological in register.
Lophophore: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒfəfɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɑːfəfɔːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'LOOP of food' (lophophore) – it's a loop or crown of tentacles that brings food to the mouth.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following animal groups possesses a lophophore?