pycnogonid
- noun
- /ˌpɪkˈnɒɡənɪd/
- Specialized
:
picnogónido
- Most pycnogonids are minute, smaller than a fingernail, and although common throughout the world's seas, are seldom noticed.
Examples
-
The scientist pointed out a pycnogonid, explaining how its long legs help it navigate the ocean floor.
-
The sea surrounding Antarctica is inhabited by approximately 100 species of pycnogonid, several of which are giants.
Academic text (1992) -
The pycnogonid seemed to be all legs, moving hesitantly on its tiptoes.
Academic text (1992) -
During the dive, we spotted a small pycnogonid clinging to a rock, its slender legs stretched out gracefully.
-
A pycnogonid was crawling slowly across the sand, showcasing its unique body structure to the curious divers.
Synonyms
A small sea animal with a thin body and long legs like a spider
A small sea animal like a spider with long legs that lives in the ocean
A group of sea animals called sea spiders with long legs and small bodies
Surface Forms
Morphology
pycnogonid = pycnogon + id
Formed from specialized Greek combining elements used in taxonomic names, the components are not productive or recognizable to average learners so the meaning cannot be derived from the parts.
Etymology
Pycnogonid comes from Greek parts pycno- meaning 'dense' and -gony meaning 'knee'. Think of a 'sea spider' with long legs and noticeable knee joints, and that image helps explain the name for these small marine animals.
