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Echinoid: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.'

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "echinoid" in other languages:

🇵🇹 equinóide

🇮🇳 इचिनोइड

🇩🇪 Seeigel

🇮🇩 landak laut

🇺🇦 морський їжак

🇵🇱 jeżowiec

🇯🇵 ウニ

🇫🇷 échinoderme

🇪🇸 equinodermo

🇹🇷 deniz kestanesi

🇰🇷 성게

🇸🇦 قنفذ البحر

🇨🇿 ježovka

🇸🇰 morský ježko

🇨🇳 海胆

🇸🇮 morski ježek

🇮🇸 ígull

🇰🇿 теңіз кірпісі

🇬🇪 ზღვის ზღარბი

🇦🇿 dəniz kirpisi

🇲🇽 erizo de mar

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.