ascidian

noun

as·​cid·​i·​an ə-ˈsi-dē-ən How to pronounce ascidian (audio)
: any of a class (Ascidiacea) of solitary or colonial sessile tunicates having an incurrent and excurrent siphon

called also sea squirt

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Ascidia, group comprising tunicates, from Ascidium, genus name, from Greek askidion, diminutive of askos wineskin, bladder

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ascidian was in 1823

Dictionary Entries Near ascidian

Cite this Entry

“Ascidian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ascidian. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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