Medusoid (Noun)
Meaning
One of two forms that coelenterates take: it is the free-swimming sexual phase in the life cycle of a coelenterate; in this phase it has a gelatinous umbrella-shaped body and tentacles.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The medusoid form of the jellyfish is characterized by its translucent, umbrella-shaped body and long, stinging tentacles.
- In the life cycle of a coelenterate, the medusoid phase is the free-swimming, sexual stage that precedes the polypoid phase.
- The medusoid is the dominant form of some coelenterates, such as jellyfish and sea nettles, which spend most of their lives in this free-swimming stage.
- During the medusoid phase, coelenterates are able to reproduce sexually, releasing sperm and eggs into the water column.
- The medusoid form of a coelenterate is typically more mobile and has a more complex body structure than the polypoid form.