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Echinoid Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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echinoid

[ˈɛkɪnɔɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sea creature

An echinoid is a type of marine animal belonging to the class Echinoidea, characterized by their spherical or flattened bodies covered in movable spines.

Synonyms

echinoidea, sea urchin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
echinoid

Used in scientific or academic contexts to refer broadly to any member of the class Echinoidea within the phylum Echinodermata.

  • The fossil record of echinoids provides insight into their evolution
sea urchin

Commonly used in everyday language and general conversation to refer to these spiny marine animals.

  • We found several colorful sea urchins while snorkeling near the coral reef
echinoidea

Primarily used in a formal, scientific setting to refer to the entire class of sea urchins and their relatives.

  • Echinoidea exhibit a wide range of morphological adaptations

Examples of usage

  • The echinoid uses its spines for protection from predators.
  • Echinoids are also known as sea urchins.
Context #2 | Noun

paleontology

In paleontology, an echinoid refers to the fossilized remains of ancient sea urchins or related species.

Synonyms

echinoidea fossil, fossilized sea urchin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
echinoid

Typically used in scientific contexts to refer to any member of the Echinoidea class, which includes sea urchins and sand dollars.

  • The marine biologist studied the echinoid specimens collected from the deep sea
fossilized sea urchin

Commonly used in general language and sometimes in popular science to describe a sea urchin that has become fossilized over time.

  • We found a beautifully preserved fossilized sea urchin while hiking along the cliff
echinoidea fossil

Used when referring to the fossilized remains of organisms from the Echinoidea class in paleontology and geological studies.

  • The paleontologist was excited to discover an echinoidea fossil in the sedimentary rock layer

Examples of usage

  • The paleontologist discovered a well-preserved echinoid fossil in the sedimentary rock.
  • Echinoids provide valuable insights into prehistoric marine ecosystems.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Echinoids are part of the phylum Echinodermata, which includes stars and sea cucumbers, sharing a unique radial symmetry.
  • These creatures play vital roles in marine ecosystems, helping with nutrient cycling due to their feeding habits.
  • Their hard shells are made of calcium carbonate, making them important indicators of ocean health.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have used the hard shells of echinoids for jewelry and decorative items.
  • In some indigenous cultures, echinoids are seen as symbols of resilience due to their tough exterior and ability to survive in diverse environments.

Geological History

  • Fossil records show that echinoids have been around for over 100 million years, providing insight into the history of marine life.
  • Their fossils help scientists understand past environmental conditions and can indicate changes in ocean chemistry over time.

Environmental Impact

  • Changes in ocean temperature and pollution significantly affect echinoid populations, which can impact whole marine ecosystems.
  • They are also studied for their role in monitoring the health of coral reefs, as their presence reflects ecological balances.

Origin of 'echinoid'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'echinoid' comes from the Greek word 'echinos,' meaning 'hedgehog,' reflecting their spiny appearance.
  • The suffix 'oid' means 'like' or 'resembling,' so 'echinoid' means 'like a hedgehog.'

The word 'echinoid' is derived from the Greek word 'ekhinos', meaning 'hedgehog', due to the resemblance of some species to hedgehogs. Echinoids have existed in the Earth's oceans for over 400 million years, with fossil records dating back to the Ordovician period. These fascinating creatures play a vital role in marine ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,560, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.