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coelenterate

[ si-len-tuh-reyt, -ter-it ]
/ sɪˈlɛn təˌreɪt, -tər ɪt /
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noun
any invertebrate animal of the phylum Coelenterata, including the hydras, jellyfishes, sea anemones, and corals, characterized by a single internal cavity serving for digestion, excretion, and other functions and having tentacles on the oral end.Compare cnidarian.
adjective
belonging or pertaining to the Coelenterata.
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Origin of coelenterate

First recorded in 1870–75; see origin at Coelenterata
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for coelenterate

coelenterate
/ (sɪˈlɛntəˌreɪt, -rɪt) /

noun
any invertebrate of the phylum Cnidaria (formerly Coelenterata), having a saclike body with a single opening (mouth), which occurs in polyp and medusa forms. Coelenterates include the hydra, jellyfishes, sea anemones, and corals
adjective
(loosely) any invertebrate of the phyla Cnidaria or Ctenophora
of or relating to coelenterates

Derived forms of coelenterate

coelenteric (ˌsiːlɛnˈtɛrɪk), adjective

Word Origin for coelenterate

C19: from New Latin Coelenterata, hollow-intestined (creatures); see coel-, enteron
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for coelenterate

coelenterate
[ sĭ-lĕntə-rĭt ]

A marine invertebrate of the obsolete phylum Coelenterata, which included the cnidarians
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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