Alcyonacea

plural noun

Al·​cy·​o·​na·​cea
ˌal-sē-ə-ˈnā-sh(ē-)ə
: an order or other division of Alcyonaria comprising the soft corals
alcyonacean
ˌal-sē-ə-ˈnā-shən
adjective or noun
alcyonic
¦al-sē-¦ä-nik
adjective
alcyoniform
¦al-sē-¦ä-nə-ˌfȯrm
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Alcyonium + -acea

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Alcyonacea was in 1851

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Alcyonacea

Cite this Entry

“Alcyonacea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Alcyonacea. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!