metazoan

noun
meta·​zo·​an | \ ˌme-tə-ˈzō-ən How to pronounce metazoan (audio) \

Definition of metazoan

: any of a group (Metazoa) that comprises all animals having the body composed of cells differentiated into tissues and organs and usually a digestive cavity lined with specialized cells

Other Words from metazoan

metazoan adjective

Examples of metazoan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Meanwhile, Knauth theorizes, oxygen-utilizing metazoans could have evolved on moist mats of oxygen producers kept hydrated by rains, lakes, streams and rivers during the late Precambrian. Peter Byrne, Quanta Magazine, 24 Apr. 2014

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'metazoan.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of metazoan

1879, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for metazoan

New Latin Metazoa, from meta- + -zoa

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Time Traveler for metazoan

Time Traveler

The first known use of metazoan was in 1879

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Dictionary Entries Near metazoan

metazoal

metazoan

metazoea

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Cite this Entry

“Metazoan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metazoan. Accessed 6 Jul. 2022.

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More Definitions for metazoan

metazoan

noun
meta·​zo·​an | \ -ˈzō-ən How to pronounce metazoan (audio) \

Medical Definition of metazoan

: any of the animals that comprise the taxon Metazoa, that have the body when adult composed of numerous cells differentiated into tissues and organs and usually a digestive cavity lined with specialized cells, and that usually include the coelenterates and all higher animals but sometimes also include the sponges and mesozoans

Other Words from metazoan

metazoan adjective

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