scyphozoan

noun

scy·​pho·​zo·​an ˌsī-fə-ˈzō-ən How to pronounce scyphozoan (audio)
: any of a class (Scyphozoa) of cnidarians (such as the sea nettle) that possess a large, conspicuous, sexually-reproducing medusa typically lacking a velum and a very small, usually funnel-shaped, asexually-reproducing polyp
scyphozoan adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Scyphozoa, from Latin scyphus + New Latin -zoa

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scyphozoan was circa 1909

Dictionary Entries Near scyphozoan

Cite this Entry

“Scyphozoan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scyphozoan. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

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