sea slug

American  

noun

1. a nudibranch.

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sea slug British  

noun

1. any of various shell-less marine gastropod molluscs, esp those of the order Nudibranchia See nudibranch

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sea slug Scientific  

1. Any of various colorful marine gastropods of the suborder Nudibranchia, lacking a shell and gills but having fringelike projections that serve as respiratory organs.

2. Also called nudibranch

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Etymology

Origin of sea slug

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

Over the past 20 years, the team has used the institute’s underwater technology to gather more information on the sea slug.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2024

“They spend their lives floating on the ocean surface upside-down, and swallow air to help them stay afloat,” says Ángel Valdés, a sea slug specialist at California State Polytechnic University.

From National Geographic • Feb. 7, 2024

Spotting the sea slug was part of a pattern of "massive changes" in sealife seen around the South West over the last five years, said Dr Holt.

From BBC • May 15, 2023

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 • Nov. 13, 2022

“She looked at me like I was a sea slug or something. Didn’t even answer. And then — I dunno — I just sort of came to my senses and ran for it.”

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling