madreporite
/ˈmædrəpəraɪt/
noun
- A small, porous plate on the body of a starfish or other echinoderm that is part of its water vascular system, allowing water to enter.
- Water enters the echinoderm's body through the madreporite.
- The starfish's madreporite is located on its upper surface.
- The biologist pointed out the madreporite as a key feature for identifying sea stars.