carcinoecium

noun

car·​ci·​noe·​ci·​um
ˌkärsəˈnēs(h)ēəm
plural carcinoecia
-s(h)ēə
: a colony of zoanthidean anemones (genus Epizoanthus) enclosing a hermit crab after dissolving the shell in which the crab lodged

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from carcin- + -oecium (from Greek oikion house, nest, diminutive of oikos house)

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Dictionary Entries Near carcinoecium

Cite this Entry

“Carcinoecium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carcinoecium. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

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