coelenterate
/sɪˈlɛntəˌreɪt/
noun
- A simple aquatic animal with a soft, hollow body and tentacles, such as a jellyfish, coral, or sea anemone.
- Corals are coelenterates that build large underwater structures called reefs.
- The aquarium has a special tank for coelenterates like jellyfish and sea anemones.
- Many coelenterates have stinging cells on their tentacles to catch small prey.
Synonyms
adjective
- Relating to or characteristic of the group of animals that includes jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones.
- The coelenterate fossil record dates back over 500 million years.
- The coelenterate body plan is simple, with a central digestive cavity and a single opening.
- Scientists study coelenterate nervous systems to understand early evolution of nerves.