: any of a phylum (Brachiopoda) of marine invertebrates with bivalve shells within which is a pair of arms bearing tentacles by which a current of water is made to bring microscopic food to the mouth

called also lampshell

brachiopod adjective

Examples of brachiopod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The resultant habitat loss and cooling temperatures caused the extinction of approximately 85% of marine species, including many brachiopods and trilobites. Scott Travers, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024 Similar chitinous bristles can be found in some more obscure groups of animals including brachiopods and bryozoans. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Latin bracchium + Greek pod-, pous foot — more at foot

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brachiopod was in 1814

Dictionary Entries Near brachiopod

Cite this Entry

“Brachiopod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brachiopod. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

: any of a phylum of invertebrate marine animals that have bivalve shells and a pair of arms bearing tentacles

called also lampshell

brachiopod adjective

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