[ ˌfɒrə'mɪnɪfə ]
■ noun ( plural ~s or ~a ˌfɒrəmɪ'nɪf(ə)rə ) Zoology a single-celled planktonic animal with a perforated chalky shell through which slender protrusions of protoplasm extend. [Order Foraminiferida.]
Derivatives
~al ˌfɒrəmɪ'nɪf(ə)rəl adjective
~an noun & adjective
~ous adjective
Origin
C19: from L. foramen , foramin- (see foramen ) + -fer 'bearing'.