Word of the Day - Foraminifer

foraminifer

/ˌfɒrəˈmɪnɪfə/
noun
Zoology
A
single-celled planktonic animal with a perforated chalky shell through
which slender protrusions of protoplasm extend. Most kinds are marine,
and when they die thick ocean-floor sediments are formed from their
shells.

Order Foraminiferida, phylum Rhizopoda, kingdom Protista
See also globigerina

Origin
Mid 19th century: from Latin foramen, foramin- (see foramen) + -fer ‘bearing’ (from ferre ‘to bear’).

-=-=-=-=-

Fred had the option to study any kind of microscopic marine life. He chose the forams, AKA foraminifera. He really liked diatoms better, but too many other post-grads were already doing them. He'd spend his summers aboard the research ship!