tardigrade

noun

tar·​di·​grade ˈtär-də-ˌgrād 

: any of a phylum (Tardigrada) of microscopic invertebrates with four pairs of stout legs that live usually in water or damp moss

called also water bear

Examples of tardigrade in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The product is named after the tardigrade – a tiny organism famous for being one of the toughest life forms on Earth, capable of surviving temperatures between -272 °C and 150 °C (-458 °F and 302 °F). — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 27 May 2026

The intention was to determine how well tardigrades did in the regolith, with an eye on one day converting Martian regolith — which is dead, inorganic dirt — into organic soil in which plants can grow. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2026

Microscopic analysis revealed mineral particles clustered around the tardigrades’ mouths, suggesting physical or chemical interference with their biological functions. — Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026

Digital media could be converted into a DNA sequence and genetically engineered into the tardigrade genome. — Tyler J. Woodward, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Latin tardigradus slow-moving, from tardus slow + gradi to step, go — more at grade entry 1

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tardigrade

• accolade
• ambuscade
• antegrade
• balustrade
• barricade
• cannonade
• cavalcade
• centigrade
• chambermaid
• colonnade
• countertrade
• disobeyed