crinoid

noun

cri·​noid ˈkrī-ˌnȯid 

: any of a large class (Crinoidea) of echinoderms usually having a somewhat cup-shaped body with five or more feathery arms compare feather star, sea lily

crinoid adjective

Illustration of crinoid

Examples of crinoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The walls of the waste basket are lined with crinoids, plant-like marine animals that have been around since the Paleozoic. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Mar. 2023

Scientists initially estimated that crinoids floated for a few years. —Raleigh McElvery, Smithsonian, 12 Aug. 2019

Along the way, keep an eye out for crinoid and other marine fossils. —Steve Larese, National Geographic, 27 June 2019

The warm coastal waters surrounding Gondwana were perfect for new kinds of animals, like brachiopods, crinoids, ostracodes, cephalopods, corals, and bryozoans. —Annalee Newitz, Ars Technica, 21 Nov. 2017

Then check out this intriguing video from National Geographic of a feather star, a variety of crinoid that lives in the ocean. —Staff, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2017

The traces of ancient invertebrates with astonishing names (crinoids, fusulinids, and so on) were just one of many signs that the landscape my coastal relatives used to mock for its monotony in fact harbored wonders. —Ben Lerner, The New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2017

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Greek krinon lily

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

crinoid

noun

cri·​noid ˈkrī-ˌnȯid 

: any of a large class of invertebrates that are echinoderms and usually have a cup-shaped body with five or more feathery arms

crinoid adjective