velella

noun

ve·​lel·​la
və̇ˈlelə
1
capitalized : a genus of floating oceanic siphonophores widely distributed in warm seas and closely related to those of the genus Porpita but having an oblique crest which acts as a sail and often causes the animal to be drifted to coasts remote from its native habitat
2
plural -s : any animal of the genus Velella
velellidous
-elədəs
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin velum sail + -ella

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Cite this Entry

“Velella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/velella. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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