pəˈrif(ə)rə, pōˈr- noun plural
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin porus pore + -i- + -fera, neuter plural of -fer -ferous
: a phylum of primitive invertebrate animals comprising the sponges and having a cellular grade of construction without true tissue or organ formation but with the body permeated by canals and chambers through which a current of water flows and passes in its course through one or more cavities lined with choanocytes
• po·rif·er·al -rəl adjective
• po·rif·er·an -rən adjective or noun