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Medusae Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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medusae

[mษชหˆdjuหziห ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

marine biology

Medusae are free-swimming jellyfish that typically have a bell-shaped body with tentacles hanging down.

Synonyms

jellyfish, medusa, sea jellies.

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Word Description / Examples
medusae

Mostly used in scientific or formal contexts to refer to multiple jellyfish. It is derived from zoological taxonomy.

  • The marine biologist studied the various species of medusae found in the Pacific Ocean.
  • Medusae are fascinating creatures with complex life cycles.
jellyfish

Commonly used in everyday language to describe the gelatinous sea creatures known for their stinging tentacles.

  • We saw a jellyfish washed up on the beach this morning.
  • Be careful when swimming; there might be jellyfish in the water.
sea jellies

A less common, but still widely understood term that is often used in environmental or educational settings to describe jellyfish.

  • The aquarium exhibit on sea jellies is both educational and mesmerizing.
  • Sea jellies play an important role in ocean ecosystems.
medusa

Used primarily in scientific descriptions or mythological references. In zoology, it refers to the adult, free-swimming stage of a jellyfish. It can also reference the Gorgon from Greek mythology.

  • The medusa form of the jellyfish is equipped with potent stingers.
  • In mythology, Medusa was a creature with snakes for hair.

Examples of usage

  • Medusae are often found in oceans and seas around the world.
  • Some species of medusae can deliver a painful sting to humans.
  • The life cycle of medusae usually involves a polyp stage before developing into the adult jellyfish.
  • Medusae play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as both predators and prey.
  • Medusae are fascinating creatures to observe in their underwater habitats.
Context #2 | Noun

mythology

In Greek mythology, Medusae refers to the Gorgon sisters, of which Medusa was the most famous.

Synonyms

Gorgons, medusa.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
medusae

Medusae refers to multiple jellyfish in a scientific context. It is commonly used in marine biology.

  • The marine biologist studied various species of medusae found along the coast.
  • During the night dive, the divers encountered a swarm of glowing medusae.
Gorgons

Gorgons are mythological creatures known from Greek mythology, specifically depicted as monstrous women with snakes for hair who turn people to stone. This term is often used in literature and discussions about mythology.

  • In Greek mythology, Perseus is known for slaying one of the Gorgons, Medusa.
  • The Gorgons were feared for their dreadful appearance and their deadly power.
medusa

Medusa, with a capital 'M', refers specifically to the most famous of the Gorgons in Greek mythology. It is often used in stories, art, and discussions about her legend. When lowercase, it refers to the umbrella-shaped form of a jellyfish.

  • Medusa was ultimately defeated by Perseus using a mirrored shield to avoid her gaze.
  • In marine biology, the medusa phase is one of the two life stages of a jellyfish.

Examples of usage

  • Medusae were known for their ability to turn anyone who looked at them into stone.
  • The story of Medusae has been retold in various forms of art and literature throughout history.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Medusae are part of the jellyfish life cycle, representing the free-swimming stage where they drift in the water.
  • These creatures can be composed of up to 95% water, making them very delicate and squishy.
  • Medusae have specialized cells called cnidocytes that house stinging structures used to capture prey.

Cultural Significance

  • In ancient Greek mythology, Medusa was a Gorgon whose gaze turned people to stone, showing how she was feared yet fascinating.
  • The image of a medusa has been used in art and literature to symbolize danger and beauty intertwined.
  • Renaissance artists often depicted medusae in their works to explore themes of transformation and the grotesque.

Ecology

  • Medusae play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, serving as predators for small fish and plankton.
  • Their population can bloom significantly, impacting local fisheries and plankton communities, often as a response to changes in water temperature and nutrient levels.
  • Some species of medusae can even bioluminesce, lighting up the oceanโ€™s depths during nighttime.

Science

  • Researchers study medusae to understand ocean health and the impacts of climate change on marine life.
  • Certain species of medusae have shown remarkable regenerative abilities, prompting scientific inquiries into cellular regeneration.
  • Medusae have been around for over 500 million years, making them one of the oldest living creatures on Earth.

Origin of 'medusae'

The term 'medusae' originates from the Latin word 'medลซsa', which in turn comes from the Greek mythological figure Medusa. The name was given to free-swimming jellyfish due to their resemblance to the snaky hair of the Gorgon Medusa. The term has been used in marine biology to refer to jellyfish since the 19th century. In Greek mythology, the Medusae were a group of sisters with snake-like hair, led by Medusa, who could turn people to stone with her gaze. The story of Medusa and the Medusae has remained a popular subject in art and literature over the centuries.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,613 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.