foraminifer

noun

for·​a·​min·​i·​fer ˌfȯr-ə-ˈmi-nə-fər How to pronounce foraminifer (audio)
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 How to pronounce foraminifer (audio)
ˌfȯr-ə-mə-ˈni-
ˌfär-
adjective

Illustration of foraminifer

Illustration of foraminifer
  • foraminifer shells

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foraminifer was circa 1842

Dictionary Entries Near foraminifer

Cite this Entry

“Foraminifer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foraminifer. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

foraminifer

noun
for·​a·​min·​i·​fer ˌfȯr-ə-ˈmin-ə-fər How to pronounce foraminifer (audio)
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
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