coelenterate

[ si-len-tuh-reyt, -ter-it ]
/ sɪˈlɛn təˌreɪt, -tər ɪt /

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.

Origin of coelenterate

First recorded in 1870–75; see origin at Coelenterata

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

Scientific definitions for coelenterate

coelenterate
[ sĭ-lĕntə-rĭt ]

A marine invertebrate of the obsolete phylum Coelenterata, which included the cnidarians