noun
medusa
muh-DOO-suh/mʌdˈusʌ/
The free-swimming, jellyfish-shaped stage in a cnidarian's life cycle.
The medusa swims by rhythmically contracting its bell-shaped body.
Etymology
Medousa names the snake-haired Gorgon in Greek myth. The jellyfish-like form was named for her because its long tentacles suggested her snakes.
In context
The medusa on the other hand that's the classic bell-shaped jellyfish we all know. It's motile. It swims around.
More examples
- This polyp releases tiny medusae into the water.
- In this species, the medusa is the reproductive stage.
- Students compare the swimming medusa with the attached polyp.
Forms
medusa · medusae · medusas
medusoid adjective — Having the form of a medusa.
Similar words
- jellyfish
- Names the animal rather than a specific life-cycle stage.