zooid

(o̵id′)

noun

  1. a comparatively independent animal organism produced by other than sexual methods, as by fission, gemmation, etc.
  2. any of the individual members of a colonial or compound animal: used esp. of hydroids, corals, or bryozoans

Origin: zo(o)- + -oid

Related Forms:

See zooid in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. a. An organic cell or organized body that has independent movement within a living organism, especially a motile gamete such as a spermatozoon.
    b. An independent animallike organism produced asexually, as by budding or fission.
  2. One of the distinct individuals forming a colonial animal such as a bryozoan or hydrozoan.

Related Forms:

  • zo·oidˈal (-oidˈl) adjective

Learn more about zooid

link/cite print suggestion box