Definition

A tiny, free-swimming larva that has tiny hair-like structures and is found in some aquatic animals, such as certain types of worms and shellfish.

Example

The trochophore is an important stage in the life cycle of many marine invertebrates.

Conversation

Did you know that some marine animals start their lives as a trochophore?

Really? I had no idea about that!

Yeah, it's fascinating how they develop from such tiny creatures.

Nature is amazing! I love learning about all these life stages.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Trochophore is formed from "trochos" (from Greek, meaning wheel) and "phore" (from Greek "phoros", meaning bearer). The word describes a larval stage in certain marine invertebrates that has a wheel-like structure of cilia used for swimming and feeding.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tiny creature that 'bears' ('phore') a 'wheel' ('trochos') of cilia, helping it to swim and feed in the water.

Visually Confused Words