medusoid
- noun
- /məˈdjuːzɔɪd/
- Specialized
- Unlike the polyp stage, the medusoid is free-swimming and able to reproduce sexually.
Examples
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Marine biologists collected samples of the medusoid forms found in coastal waters.
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The medusoid stage of the jellyfish is fascinating.
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The jellyfish spends a part of its life cycle in the medusoid stage.
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Many medusoids drift through the ocean currents.
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The underwater researcher studied the medusoid, admiring its graceful movements and delicate tentacles as it floated through the ocean.
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A large medusoid drifted past, its bell-shaped body pulsating rhythmically as it navigated the warm waters.
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Children at the aquarium were fascinated by the medusoid, mesmerized by its jelly-like form and the way its tentacles swayed gently.
Synonyms
A soft sea creature with a bell-shaped body and long stinging tentacles
A free-swimming form of some sea animals like jellyfish with umbrella-shaped body and tentacles
A free-swimming stage in some sea animals with a soft umbrella-shaped body and tentacles
A sea animal like a true jellyfish with a bell-shaped jellylike body that swims
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Medusoid names the free-swimming jellyfish stage and comes from Medusa plus the ending -oid meaning 'like'. People called this form 'medusoid' because its bell and tentacles reminded them of Medusa's snake hair, which is why the word refers to that jellyfish-like life stage.