Definition

A type of invertebrate animal that looks like a plant and often attaches to surfaces, such as corals and sponges.

Example

The reef was full of colorful zoophytes, creating a beautiful underwater landscape.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a zoophyte in a tide pool?

No, I haven't! What does it look like?

It's kind of like a plant but actually an animal, like a sea anemone.

That sounds fascinating! I definitely want to check one out.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Zoophyte → It is formed from "zoo-" (from Greek "zōion", meaning animal) and "phyte" (from Greek "phyton", meaning plant). The word "zoophyte" refers to an organism that has characteristics of both animals and plants, essentially an animal-plant hybrid.

Memory Tip

Think of 'animal' ('zoo-') and 'plant' ('phyte') together, and remember that a zoophyte is something that has features of both.

Visually Confused Words