bryozoan
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //brɪoʊˈzoʊən//
KK: /brɪoʊˈzoʊən/
adjective
Definition
Relating to a group of small aquatic animals that form colonies, known as Bryozoa.
Example
The bryozoan species can often be found in shallow waters.
Conversation
Did you know that there are bryozoan species in our local waters?
Really? I had no idea they were so close to home!
Yeah, they play a big role in the ecosystem, surprisingly.
That's fascinating! I should look out for them next time I go swimming.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
mossy
aquatic
marine
Antonyms
terrestrial
dry
land
noun
Definition
A small aquatic animal that belongs to a group of invertebrates, often found in colonies attached to surfaces like stones or seaweed, and reproduces by budding.
Example
The bryozoan colonies can often be seen clinging to rocks in shallow waters.
Conversation
Have you ever heard of a bryozoan?
No, I haven't. What is it?
It's this tiny aquatic animal that forms colonies, kind of like moss.
Root Explanation
Bryozoan is formed from "bryon" (from Greek "bryon", meaning moss) and "zoon" (from Greek "zōon", meaning animal). The word refers to a group of aquatic invertebrates that resemble moss due to their colony-forming nature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a creature that looks like 'moss' ('bryon') but is actually an 'animal' ('zoon'). This helps you remember that a bryozoan is an animal that resembles moss.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.