‖n. pl. [ NL., from Gr. zw^, on an animal + fyto`n a plant. ] (Zool.) An extensive artificial and heterogeneous group of animals, formerly adopted by many Zoologists. It included the cœlenterates, echinoderms, sponges, Bryozoa, Protozoa, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Sometimes the name is restricted to the Cœlentera, or to the Anthozoa. [ 1913 Webster ]