brittle star

noun

any echinoderm of the class Ophiuroidea, having the body composed of a central, rounded disk from which radiate long, slender, fragile arms.

Also called serpent star.

Origin of brittle star

1835-1845

First recorded in 1835-45

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2017.
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Historical Examples

Perhaps the brittle star has found this dodge useful in escaping from enemies.

On the Seashore R. Cadwallader Smith

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