foraminifer noun. [fɒrǝ'mɪnɪfǝ] Pl. foraminifera [fɒrǝmɪ'nɪf(ǝ)rǝ], foraminifers. M19.
[from Latin foramin- (see FORAMEN) + -I- + -FER.]
Zoology. A rhizopod of the chiefly marine order Foraminiferida, typically having a calcareous shell with perforations (foramina) through which pseudopodia extend, the fossils forming a major constituent of chalk and many marine oozes.

■ forami'niferal adjective of or pertaining to foraminifera; containing or consisting of foraminifera: M19.

■ forami'niferan noun & adjective (a) noun = FORAMINIFER; (b) adjective of or pertaining to foraminifera: L20.

■ forami'niferous adjective having foramina; foraminiferal: M19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲