zooid
(zō′o̵id′)
noun
- a comparatively independent animal organism produced by other than sexual methods, as by fission, gemmation, etc.
- any of the individual members of a colonial or compound animal: used esp. of hydroids, corals, or bryozoans
Origin:
zo(o)- + -oid
See zooid in American Heritage Dictionary 4
nouna. 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.
- One of the distinct individuals forming a colonial animal such as a bryozoan or hydrozoan.
Related Forms:
- zo·oidˈal (-oidˈl) adjective
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