Definitions

1. noun

a phylum of marine animals characterized by a calcareous or chitinous shell with a hinge

“The fossilized remains of a brachiopod were found in the ancient sea bed.”

2. noun

a group of marine animals that include lampshells and horn shells

“Brachiopoda are often found living in symbiosis with other marine organisms.”

3. plural noun

a group of brachiopod animals

“A large collection of brachiopoda was discovered in the ocean floor.”