medusa1
/mɪˈdjuːzə
/ /mɪˈdjuːsə /noun (plural medusae /mɪˈdjuːziː/ /mɪˈdjuːsiː/ or medusas) Zoology
1A free-swimming sexual form of a coelenterate such as a jellyfish, typically having an umbrella-shaped body with stinging tentacles around the edge. In some species, medusae are a phase in the life cycle which alternates with a polypoid phase. Compare with polyp.A medusa, or jellyfish, is part of the life cycle of just one major group of animals, the cnidarians....
- Cnidarians have two basic body forms, medusa and polyp.
- Two major adult body types characterize the phylum: the medusa is typically a mobile pelagic organism, and the polyp is typically a sessile benthic organism.
1.1A jellyfish.In studies with a microscope, Forbes had shown that hydroid jellyfish known as naked-eyed medusae reproduce not only by spewing eggs, but also by asexual budding, which he found marvelous to behold....
- This specialized tank creates a waterflow that keeps medusae and other delicate animals in constant suspension assuring that their tissues are not destroyed by abrasive contact with aquarium walls.
- Noteably, all epipelagic, midwater, and deepsea medusae have very simple, reduced, or absent ocelli.
Origin
Mid 18th century: named by association with Medusa.
Rhymes
Medusa2
/mɪˈdjuːzə/ /mɪˈdjuːsə /Greek Mythology
The only mortal gorgon, whom Perseus killed by cutting off her head.