actinia

noun

Meaning

A sea anemone or a member of the order Actiniaria, characterized by a cylindrical body and a central mouth surrounded by stinging tentacles.

Examples

  • The marine biologist carefully collected a specimen of actinia for further study in the laboratory.
  • Many species of actinia attach themselves firmly to rocky surfaces in intertidal zones.

Synonyms: sea anemone, anemone, cnidarian, polyp