Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
echinoderm
Noun
/ˌɛkɪˈnɒdɜːrm/
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Definition
A marine animal belonging to the phylum Echinodermata, characterized by a hard, spiny skin and radial symmetry.
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Examples
- Starfish are a well-known type of echinoderm.
- Sea urchins, with their spiky shells, are also echinoderms.
- Some echinoderms, like sea cucumbers, have soft bodies and can expel their internal organs as a defense mechanism.
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Meaning
Echinoderms are a diverse group of sea creatures that include starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers. They are known for their unique body structure and ability to regenerate lost limbs.
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Synonyms
- Spiny skinned animal
- Radially symmetrical marine organism