MILLEPORA Meaning and
Definition
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Millepora is a noun that refers to a genus of marine invertebrates belonging to the class Hydrozoa, which includes various species of colonial organisms commonly known as fire corals. Fire corals are not true corals but are closely related to them. They are found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world.
The name "Millepora" is derived from Latin, with "mille" meaning "thousand" and "pora" meaning "pores," referring to the numerous small calcareous structures that make up the external skeleton of these organisms. The skeletons of Millepora colonies have a unique branch-like or encrusting appearance, resembling a delicate coral but often having a fiery, orange or yellow coloration that gives them their common name.
These organisms are colonial in nature, meaning that they form large colonies made up of numerous individual polyps. Each polyp within the colony has tentacles that bear stinging cells called nematocysts, which they use to capture small planktonic organisms for feeding. The polyps are interconnected through a shared system of canals that transport nutrients and provide structural support to the colony.
Millepora colonies play important ecological roles in coral reef ecosystems. Although they can cause skin irritation and painful stings to humans, they provide habitat and protection for a wide variety of marine species. They also actively contribute to reef-building processes by precipitating calcium carbonate, helping to create and maintain the structure of coral reefs. Overall, Millepora represents a diverse and ecologically significant group of marine organisms vital to the health and diversity of reef ecosystems.
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In geol., a genus and family of branching corals, whose cells or pores are extremely numerous and minute.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MILLEPORA
- nillepora
- killepora
- jillepora
- mullepora
- mjllepora
- mkllepora
- mollepora
- m9llepora
- m8llepora
- miklepora
- miplepora
- miolepora
- milkepora
- milpepora
- miloepora
- millwpora
- millspora
- milldpora
- millrpora
- mill4pora
Etymology of MILLEPORA
The word "Millepora" is derived from the Latin term "mille" meaning "a thousand" and the Ancient Greek word "πόρος" (poros) meaning "pore".
"Millepora" is the name of a genus of colonial marine hydrocorals, known as "fire corals". The name refers to their characteristic porous structure. The word "mille" in Latin is used metaphorically to convey the abundance or profusion of the pores in these corals, giving rise to the name Millepora.
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