Medusae: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
medusae
[ mษชหdjuหziห ]
marine biology
Medusae are free-swimming jellyfish that typically have a bell-shaped body with tentacles hanging down.
Synonyms
jellyfish, medusa, sea jellies.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
medusae |
Mostly used in scientific or formal contexts to refer to multiple jellyfish. It is derived from zoological taxonomy.
|
jellyfish |
Commonly used in everyday language to describe the gelatinous sea creatures known for their stinging tentacles.
|
sea jellies |
A less common, but still widely understood term that is often used in environmental or educational settings to describe jellyfish.
|
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.
|
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.
mythology
In Greek mythology, Medusae refers to the Gorgon sisters, of which Medusa was the most famous.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
medusae |
Medusae refers to multiple jellyfish in a scientific context. It is commonly used in marine biology.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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
Translations of the word "medusae" in other languages:
๐ต๐น medusas
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเฅเคกเฅเคธเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Quallen
๐ฎ๐ฉ ubur-ubur
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะตะดัะทะธ
๐ต๐ฑ meduzy
๐ฏ๐ต ใฏใฉใฒ
๐ซ๐ท mรฉduses
๐ช๐ธ medusas
๐น๐ท denizanasฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ํดํ๋ฆฌ
๐ธ๐ฆ ููุงุฏูู ุงูุจุญุฑ
๐จ๐ฟ medรบzy
๐ธ๐ฐ medรบzy
๐จ๐ณ ๆฐดๆฏ
๐ธ๐ฎ meduze
๐ฎ๐ธ marglyttur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะตะดัะทะฐะปะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแฃแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ meduzalar
๐ฒ๐ฝ medusas
Etymology
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.
- ...
- 33610 prefabrication
- 33611 congeniality
- 33612 misjudge
- 33613 medusae
- 33614 vintner
- 33615 asphyxiated
- 33616 magnetised
- ...