actinal

[ ak-tuh-nl, ak-tahyn-l ]

adjective

, Zoology.

1. having tentacles or rays.
2. pertaining to the oral area from which the arms or tentacles radiate.

actinal

/ ˈæktɪnəl; ækˈtaɪnəl /

adjective

1. of or denoting the oral part of a radiate animal, such as a jellyfish, sea anemone, or sponge, from which the rays, tentacles, or arms grow
2. possessing rays or tentacles, as a jellyfish

Derived Forms

• ˈactinally, adverb

Other Words From

• acti·nal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of actinal¹

1857; actin- + -al ¹; coined, with sense of actinal def 2, by Louis Agassiz

Word History and Origins

Origin of actinal¹

C19: see actino- , -al ¹

Example Sentences

It is situated on the actinal or ventral surface of the future starfish, and is related to the left peritoneal vesicle.

From Project Gutenberg

The plane of the actinal surface at first meets that of the abactinal at an acute or nearly right angle.

From Project Gutenberg

The larval mouth is transported into the centre of the actinal disc.

From Project Gutenberg