rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypolypAttached aquatic animal form
noun

polyp

A saclike body form of animals such as corals and sea anemones, usually attached to a surface.

Each coral polyp extended tiny tentacles into the water.

Etymology
polypGreekmany-footed

Greek polypous means many-footed. The animal term treats the surrounding tentacles as multiple foot-like appendages extending from the body.

More examples

  • The anemone had the body form of a polyp.
  • A colony of polyps covered the reef surface.
  • The polyp withdrew when the water was disturbed.

Forms

polyp · polyps

Similar words

medusa
A medusa has the free-swimming, bell-shaped body form of many jellyfish; a polyp is typically attached.
coral
Coral can be an animal or its colony and skeleton; a polyp is an individual body form.