thecophora

‖n. pl. [ NL., from Gr. &unr_; a case + fe`rein to bear. ] (Zool.) A division of hydroids comprising those which have the hydranths in thecae and the gonophores in capsules. The campanularians and sertularians are examples. Called also Thecata. See Illust. under Hydroidea. [ 1913 Webster ]