noun
hydra
A small freshwater animal with tentacles that can regrow lost body parts.
A hydra uses its tentacles to catch tiny freshwater animals.
Etymology
The animal takes the name of the mythical Hydra. Its radiating tentacles and remarkable regeneration invited comparison with the monster’s multiple, regrowing heads.
More examples
- A hydra can regrow a lost tentacle.
- Several hydras cling to a submerged leaf in the pond.
- Under the microscope, we watch a young hydra bud from its parent.
Forms
hydra · hydras · hydrae
Similar words
- polyp
- A broader term covering hydras and similar marine animals.