‖ Bryozoa, n. pl. Zool.
(braɪəˈzəʊə)
Sing. bryozoon (-ˈzəʊɒn).
[f. Gr. βρύον moss + ζῷα, pl. of ζῷον animal; from the appearance of some species.]
The lowest class of molluscs, consisting of compound or ‘colonial’ animals formed by gemmation, each individual having a distinct alimentary canal. Also called Polyzoa. In the sing. an individual animal of this class.
| 1847–9 Todd Cycl. Anat. & Phys. IV. 50/1 The differences between a Bryozoon and an ordinary polype. 1856 Gosse Marine Zool. ii. 1 It has been usual [hitherto] to include the Polyzoa (or Bryozoa, as they are sometimes termed) in the class Zoophyta. 1876 Beneden Anim. Parasites 61 Many bryozoa spread themselves over marine animals. 1883 Harper's Mag. Dec. 107/1 The rick bryozoon..incrusts the various parts with its silvery growth. |
Hence Bryoˈzoan a., belonging to the Bryozoa; also as n., one of the Bryozoa.
| 1872 Dana Corals i. 19 The lowest tribe of Mollusks, called Bryozoans, which produce delicate corals, sometimes branching and moss-like. 1878 Bell Gegenbauer's Comp. Anat. 132 All the persons of a Bryozoan colony are not equally well developed. |