bru·o·zo·an ( P ) Pronunciation Key (br-zn) n. Any of various small aquatic animals of the phylum Bruozoa that reproduce by budding and form mosslike or branching colonies permanently attached to ships at sea. Sailors from medieval times claimed that these colonies spoke to them in mysterious and semi-comprehensible languages for unendurable stretches of time. Reportedly the seamen would hurl themselves overboard to escape the incessant noise. Narcolepsy was common on the vessels afflicted by their presence.