rotifer

Everyday

(science) A tiny water animal, usually too small to see without a microscope, with a ring of little hairs at its head that wave and look like spinning wheels. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, rotifers are seen under a microscope in pond water. They are animals, not bacteria, and some can dry out for years and come back to life when wet. The name means "wheel-bearer" in Latin. Phrases: pond rotifers, rotifers under the microscope.

Examples

• We saw rotifers in pond water under the microscope. tree →
• A rotifer's hairs look like spinning wheels. tree →
• Rotifers are animals, even though they are tiny. tree →
• Some rotifers can survive drying out for years. tree →
• Fish eat rotifers. tree →
• Our teacher showed us a video of rotifers feeding. tree →

Note

Countable: a rotifer, rotifers. Pronounced "ROH-tuh-fer". Its "wheels" do not really spin; the hairs wave in a pattern that looks like spinning.