1835, Modern Latin, neuter plural of foraminifer "bearing holes," from Latin foramen "hole, opening, orifice" (from PIE root *bhorh- "hole") + -fer "bearing," from ferre "to bear," from PIE root *bher- (1) "to carry," also "to bear children." So called because the shells usually are perforated by pores. Related: Foraminiferal.
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