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arbacia

noun
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ar·​ba·​cia | \ ärˈbāsēə \

Definition of arbacia

1 capitalized : a genus of sea urchins (order Centrechinoida) having the ambulacral plates with three pairs of pores, the periproct covered by four triangular plates, the test rather low and stout, and the spines short with those near the mouth having enameled flattened tips
2 plural -s : a sea urchin of the genus Arbacia

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First Known Use of arbacia

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for arbacia

borrowed from New Latin, perhaps from Arbaces, legendary ninth century b.c. Median general (borrowed from Greek Arbákēs) + -ia -ia

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The first known use of arbacia was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Arbacia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arbacia. Accessed 27 Sep. 2020.

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