Monacha (monaka)

[NL., Monasa of Vieillot I have ventured to correct into Mona Sclater, Monog. Puffbirds, p. xl. cha . monachal (monʼa-kal), a. [Formerly also mona cal; [NL., (Gr. μόνος , single, + ἀκτίς ( άκτιν- ), & ray, + dim. -ell a + ina.] A group, subordinal or other, of fibro silicious or ceratosilicoid sponges, having comparatively little ceratode, the skeleton being mostly composed of single straight silicious spicules, whence the name. The breadcrumb sponge, Halichondria panicea, is a characteristic example. See Monaxonida.