‖ Cœlomata, n. pl. Zool.
(siːˈləʊmətə)
[mod.L., pl. neut. of *cœlōmatus, f. Gr. κοίλωµατ- hollow, cavity: see cœlome. (For formation, cf. Gr. ἀσώµατος, etc.)]
The name given by Ray Lankester to the higher of his two subdivisions of Enterozoa (= Metazoa), including all of these that have a cœlome or body-cavity, distinct from the enteric or intestinal cavity (the other subdivision being that of the Cœlenterata). It comprises all the more highly developed animals, including Vermes.
| 1877 E. Ray Lankester in Q. Jrnl. Micros. Sc. XVII. 441. 1883 ― in Encycl. Brit. XVI. 633/1 The Cœlomata, one of the two great grades..into which the higher animals, or Enterozoa as distinguished from the Protozoa, are divided. 1888 Rolleston & Jackson Anim. Life 333 The Coelomata include the phyla Chordata, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata, together with Vermes. |