nudibranch

American  

[noo-duh-brangk, nyoo-] / ˈnu dəˌbræŋk, ˈnyu- /

noun

1. a shell-less, marine snail of the suborder Nudibranchia, having external, often branched respiratory appendages on the back and sides.

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nudibranch British  

/ ˈnjuːdɪˌbræŋk /

noun

1. Also called: sea slug.  any marine gastropod of the order Nudibranchia, characterized by a shell-less, often beautifully coloured, body bearing external gills and other appendages

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nudibranch Scientific  

/ no̅o̅′də-brăngk′ /

1. See sea slug

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Etymology

Origin of nudibranch

1835–45; < French nudibranche, equivalent to nudi- nudi- + branche gill (< Latin branchia branchia )

Example Sentences

The mystery mollusk is the first known nudibranch to live in a deep-water column, specifically in the ocean’s midnight zone — open water about 1,000 to 4,000 meters below the surface.

From Los Angeles Times

This gorgeous little nudibranch of just 2.3 inches long is packed with surprises.

From National Geographic

Reef life thrives on hyperbolism, so to speak; the curvy surface structure of coral maximizes nutrient intake, and nudibranchs propel through water with frilly flanges.

From New York Times

Giant groupers flourish among the rocks, a psychedelic purple nudibranch sea slug clings to an outcrop, and a pair of rays skate along the undisturbed sandy bottom.

From Seattle Times

For example, the Hilton's nudibranch, a predatory sea slug, expanded northward during the Blob, which led to a decline in local nudibranchs.

From Salon