foraminifer

noun

for·​a·​min·​i·​fer ˌfȯr-ə-ˈmi-nə-fər 

ˌfär-

: any of an order (Foraminifera) of large chiefly marine rhizopod protozoans usually having calcareous shells that often are perforated with minute holes for protrusion of slender pseudopodia and form the bulk of chalk and nummulitic limestone

foraminiferal

fə-ˌra-mə-ˈni-f(ə-)rəl 

ˌfȯr-ə-mə-ˈni-

ˌfär-

adjective

Illustration of foraminifer

• foraminifer shells

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

foraminifer

noun

for·​a·​min·​i·​fer ˌfȯr-ə-ˈmin-ə-fər 

ˌfär-

: any of an order of large chiefly marine protozoans that resemble amoebas, usually have perforated shells containing calcium, and are important sources of chalk and limestone