aplacophora

noun

Meaning

A subclass of marine mollusks characterized by a worm-like body that lacks a true shell, usually covered in calcareous spicules.

Examples

  • The deep-sea expedition discovered several rare specimens of Aplacophora living in the sediment.
  • Unlike snails or clams, the Aplacophora have evolved a cylindrical body shape suited for burrowing.

Synonyms: mollusk, invertebrate, solenogaster, caudofoveate