Gorgonian

[ gawr-goh-nee-uhn ]

noun

1. any of numerous alcyonarian corals of the order Gorgonacea, having a usually branching, horny or calcareous skeleton.

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the Gorgonacea.

Gorgonian

¹

/ ɡɔːˈɡəʊnɪən /

adjective

1. of or resembling a Gorgon

gorgonian

²

/ ɡɔːˈɡəʊnɪən /

noun

1. any coral of the order Gorgonacea, having a horny or calcareous branching skeleton: includes the sea fans and red corals

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Gorgonacea

Word History and Origins

Origin of Gorgonian¹

1825–35; < New Latin Gorgoni ( a ) genus name ( Gorgon, -ia ) + -an

Example Sentences

With fury the features swell; with blood the veins grow black; the eyes flash more wildly than the Gorgonian fires.

From Project Gutenberg