Lorica (Noun)
Meaning
A hard protective sheath (as secreted by certain protoctists, for example).
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- Some protoctists have a cell wall but also a tougher, external protective layer known as a lorica that resists penetration and tearing.
- Certain algae possess a sturdy lorica made of interlocking plates of cellulose.
- When fully developed, the ciliate had grown a characteristic flask-shaped lorica for its sedentary phase of life.
- Biological analyses indicated the protist to have synthesized an effective lorica through molecular intercalation.
- Following development of a compact, bullet-shaped lorica, some single-celled flagellates of certain kinds effectively gain refuge.