porifera, n. pl. [NL., fr. L. porus pore + ferre to bear.].
A grand division of the Invertebrata, including the sponges; -- called also Spongiæ, Spongida, and Spongiozoa. The principal divisions are Calcispongiæ, Keratosa or Fibrospongiæ, and Silicea. [1913 Webster]