Ophryoscolecidae

plural noun

Ophryo·​sco·​lec·​i·​dae

¦äfrē(ˌ)ōskōˈlesəˌdē,

¦ōf-

: a large family of oligotrichous ciliates that are endocommensals in the stomach of ruminants where they break down starches and probably cellulose and presumably contribute protein to their hosts

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Ophryoscolec-, Ophryoscolex, type genus (from Greek ophrys + New Latin -o- + -scolec-, -scolex) + -idae

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