Helioporidae

plural noun

He·​li·​o·​por·​i·​dae

ˌhēlēəˈpȯrəˌdē

: a family of tabulate corals (order Coenothecalia) comprising the blue coral and extinct related forms and having the corallum composed of large zooecia interspersed with more numerous smaller tubes occupied by simple polyps without tentacles or reproductive organs

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Heliopora, type genus (from heli- entry 1 + -pora) + -idae

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!