crown-of-thorns starfish

[ kroun-uhv-thawrnz ]

/ ˈkraʊn əvˈθɔrnz /

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noun

a starfish, Acanthaster planci, that feeds on living coral polyps, causing erosion and destruction of coral reefs.

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Origin of crown-of-thorns starfish

First recorded in 1960–65

Her post-crown fame, though, only further begs the question: Why has there not been another Jewish Miss America since 1945?
Why Was Bess Myerson the First and Last Jewish Miss America?|Emily Shire|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The Dallas Cowboys sell out their state-of-the art football stadium.
Will Texas Stay Texan?|David Fontana|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They started as small groups that are big thorns in Iran's side now.
The Dangerous Drug-Funded Secret War Between Iran and Pakistan|Umar Farooq|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It had a wide brim and a tall crown, which created an insulated pocket of air and could also be used to carry water.
My Love Letter to the Stetson|Mark McKinnon|December 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST

We happily hoist our egg nog in the air, embrace each other, and raise our out-of-tune voices in song.
The Most Confusing Christmas Music Lyrics Explained (VIDEO)|Kevin Fallon|December 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As an M.P. you are duly qualified to accept any appointment under the Crown when the Government ask you.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 107, November 3, 1894|Various
You never know when you are going to stumble upon a jewel in the most out-of-the-way corner.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
While still very young his head was shaved, except a little round spot on the very crown.
Our Little Korean Cousin|H. Lee M. Pike
The King arrived in Naples bent on maintaining his crown and on allowing no interference from the Emperor.
Napoleon's Marshals|R. P. Dunn-Pattison
But Lessard's a overbearin' son-of-a-gun all round, and he's always breakin' out in a new place.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair