Foraminifera

Pronunciation: fo-ram'i-nif'er-a, for'a-mi-nif'er-a

Definition: A subclass of Rhizopoda possessing anastomosing pseudopodia; these form a network around the cell that usually develops into a complex calcareous shell; an important component of the ocean bottom and of rockbeds overlying oil deposits.

[L. foramen, aperture, + fero, to carry]

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© Copyright 2018 Wolters Kluwer. All Rights Reserved. Review date: Sep 19, 2016.

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