Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

obelia

noun
obe·lia | \ō-ˈbēl-yə \

Definition of obelia 

: any of a genus (Obelia) of small colonial marine hydroids with colonies branched like trees

First Known Use of obelia

1868, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for obelia

New Latin

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about obelia

Dictionary Entries near obelia

obedient plant

obeisance

o-be-joyful

obelia

obeliscal

obeliscoid

obelisk

Statistics for obelia

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for obelia

The first known use of obelia was in 1868

See more words from the same year

More from Merriam-Webster on obelia

See words that rhyme with obelia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about obelia

Comments on obelia

What made you want to look up obelia? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

rebuff

to reject or criticize sharply

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games