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sea urchin
noun
: any of numerous echinoderms (class Echinoidea) that are usually enclosed in thin brittle globular tests covered with movable spines
Examples of sea urchin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Plus, one of the most voracious algae-eaters, the long-spined black sea urchin, began dying in the Caribbean in the 1980s, likely from a waterborne pathogen.
—Benji Jones, Vox, 8 Oct. 2024
Some of the best-tasting sea urchin in the world is found in the Channel Islands, off the coast of Santa Barbara.
—Jaime Lowe, New York Times, 26 Sep. 2024
The divers harvest abalone, sea urchins and more by venturing into dark waters without the aid of oxygen tanks or professional diving equipment, instead using instruments like nets and hoes.
—Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 10 Oct. 2024
Scientists have also found toxic concentrations of TNT in Atlantic purple sea urchins, mysid crustaceans and blue mussels.
—Paul Hockenos, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Sep. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1591, in the meaning defined above
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Cite this Entry
“Sea urchin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sea%20urchin. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
sea urchin
noun
: any of a class of small marine invertebrate animals that are echinoderms, usually live on or burrow in the sea bottom, and are enclosed in roundish shells covered with spines that can move
More from Merriam-Webster on sea urchin
Nglish: Translation of sea urchin for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sea urchin
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