anthozoan
/ˌænθəˈzoʊən/
noun
- A marine animal from the class Anthozoa, such as a coral or sea anemone, that has a cylindrical body and tentacles around the mouth.
- Scientists studied how an anthozoan reproduces both sexually and by budding.
- An anthozoan attaches itself to the ocean floor and catches food with its stinging tentacles.
- The reef was full of colorful anthozoans like sea fans and brain corals.
adjective
- Relating to or characteristic of the class Anthozoa, which includes corals and sea anemones.
- Anthozoan species are sensitive to changes in water temperature.
- She wrote a paper on anthozoan biodiversity in tropical waters.
- The anthozoan polyps build calcium carbonate skeletons that form coral reefs.