Definition of Ophiuroidea in English:
Ophiuroidea
plural nounˌɒfɪ(j)ʊəˈrɔɪdɪəˌäfēyo͝oroidēə
Zoology A class of echinoderms that comprises the brittlestars.
Example sentencesExamples
- Brittle stars of the Ophiuroidea are predators, deposit feeders, scavengers, and suspension feeders, which feed by outstretching their arms to capture prey.
- Of all echinoderms, the Ophiuroidea may have the strongest tendency toward 5-segment radial symmetry.
- Members of the Asteroidea are often called ‘true starfish’ and are closely related to the Ophiuroidea, having a common ancestor in the Ordovican.
Origin
Modern Latin (plural), based on the genus name Ophiura, from Greek ophis 'snake' + oura 'tail'.
Definition of Ophiuroidea in US English:
Ophiuroidea
plural nounˌäfēyo͝oroidēə
Zoology A class of echinoderms that comprises the brittle stars.
Example sentencesExamples
- Of all echinoderms, the Ophiuroidea may have the strongest tendency toward 5-segment radial symmetry.
- Members of the Asteroidea are often called ‘true starfish’ and are closely related to the Ophiuroidea, having a common ancestor in the Ordovican.
- Brittle stars of the Ophiuroidea are predators, deposit feeders, scavengers, and suspension feeders, which feed by outstretching their arms to capture prey.
Origin
Modern Latin (plural), based on the genus name Ophiura, from Greek ophis ‘snake’ + oura ‘tail’.