1. Primitive multicellular marine animal whose porous body is supported by a fibrous skeletal framework; usually occurs in sessile colonies
   "Sponges are the most well-known poriferans"; "parazoa are the most well-known poriferans";
   - sponge, parazoan

Derived forms: poriferans

Type of: invertebrate

Part of: phylum Porifera, Porifera

Encyclopedia: Poriferan