Anthozoa

plural noun

An·​tho·​zoa
ˌan(t)-thə-ˈzōə
: a class of marine coelenterates comprising the corals, sea anemones, and related forms all of which lack medusa generation and are distinguished by polyps with radial partitions or mesenteries projecting from the body wall into the gastrovascular cavity see alcyonaria, zoantharia
anthozoan adjective or noun
anthozoic
¦an(t)-thə-¦zōik
adjective
anthozoon
ˌan(t)-thə-ˈzō-ˌän
-ən
noun
plural anthozoa

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from anth- entry 1 + -zoa

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Anthozoa was in 1846

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Anthozoa

Cite this Entry

“Anthozoa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Anthozoa. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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