Definition

Having a body cavity called a coelom, which is a fluid-filled space between the digestive tract and the outer body wall in certain animals.

Example

Earthworms are examples of coelomate animals that have a true coelom.

Conversation

Did you know that some animals are classified as coelomate?

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they have a body cavity filled with fluid, which is pretty interesting!

That is cool! I love learning about animal classifications.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Coelomate is formed from "coelom" (from Greek "koilos", meaning hollow) and "-ate" (a suffix used to form adjectives indicating a state or condition). The term refers to organisms that possess a coelom, which is a fluid-filled body cavity that is completely surrounded by mesoderm.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hollow' ('coelom') to remember that a coelomate is an organism with a hollow body cavity.

Visually Confused Words