Cotylophorous

/ˌkɑtəˈlɑfərəs/ adjective

Definition

characterized by bearing or having cup-shaped or socket-like structures; relating to animals or organisms with cotyles.

Etymology

From Greek 'kotyle' (cup) plus 'phoros' (bearing). It's an adjective form describing the presence of cup-shaped anatomical features in organisms.

Kelly Says

Many sea creatures like certain mollusks and cephalopods use cup-shaped suckers to grab things—being 'cotylophorous' gives them incredible grip strength and sensory ability underwater!

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