Ciliophora
/sɪlɪˈɒf(ə)rə/Zoology
noun
Treated as plural: a large phylum (or kingdom) comprising the ciliate protozoans, characterized by the possession of cilia or ciliary structures, and both macronuclei and micronuclei.
- Formerly regarded as a class or subphylum (also called Ciliata) of the phylum Protozoa..
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in New Phytologist. From scientific Latin Ciliophora from cilia + -o- + -phora.