noun
- the soft body parts of bryozoans that contain the digestive system and other organs
Usage: biology; zoology
Examples
- The polypides can retract into their protective cases when threatened.
- Each bryozoan colony consists of numerous polypides housed in individual chambers.
- The polypides extend their tentacles to filter food from the water.
- Marine biologists study the structure of polypides to understand bryozoan feeding behavior.
- The polypides are connected by tissue that allows the colony to function as a unit.