zoophyte

Definition

An animal thought to have the characteristics of a plant, later specifically an invertebrate of the (former) group Zoophyta, comprising sponges, corals and sea anemones.

Etymology

From zoo- + -phyte, after Middle French zoophyte; later reinforced by scientific Latin Zoophyta.

Example Sentences

• "And besides, as there are many Zoophyts, and sensitive Plants […] so have we, in some Authors, Instances of Plants turning into Animals, and Animals into Plants, and the like […]"