balanophorese

pl. [BALANOPHORA CE.E.] băl-an-us, S. [Lat. balanus ; Gr. βάλανος ( balanos ) = (1) an acorn, (2) any similar fruit.] Acorn-shells. A genus of Crustaceous animals, the typical one of the family Balanide (q.v.). Their shell consists of six valves, firmly united into a short tube, which is fixed by its base to the object to which the animal seeks to adhere. From two to four valves more close the upper portion of the tube, with the exception of a slit or orifice, through which the inhabitant protrudes its cirri in quest of sustenance. Though fixed when adult, it swims about when immature, and in that state somewhat resembles an entomostracan. [ACORNS HELL.]