|äfrē(ˌ)ōskōˈlesəˌdē, |ōf- noun plural
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, from Ophryoscolec-, Ophryoscolex, type genus (from Greek ophrys + New Latin -o- + -scolec-, -scolex ) + -idae
: 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