prosopyle Zool.
(ˈprɒsəʊpaɪl)
[f. Gr. πρόσω forward + πύλη a gate.]
A small aperture by which an endodermal chamber in a sponge communicates with the exterior. Hence prosopylar (prɒˈsɒpɪlə(r)) a., pertaining to, having, or constituting a prosopyle.
| 1887 Sollas in Encycl. Brit. XXII. 413/2 (Sponges) To avoid ambiguity we shall for the future distinguish [this] kind of opening as a prosopyle. 1888 ― in Challenger Rep. XXV. p. xiv, The recesses, known as flagellated chambers, communicate with the cavity of the sac (paragaster) each by a single wide mouth (apopyle), and with the exterior by a small pore (prosopyle). 1890 Cent. Dict., Prosopylar. |