Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

holothurian

noun
/ˌhɒl.əˈθjʊə.ri.ən/
Definition
A holothurian is a marine animal belonging to the class Holothuroidea, commonly known as sea cucumbers.
Examples
  • The holothurian burrowed into the sandy sea floor.
  • Researchers are studying the unique behaviors of holothurians in deep-sea habitats.
  • Some species of holothurians can eject their internal organs to escape predators.
Meaning
Holothurians are echinoderms that typically have a leathery body and elongated shape, resembling a cucumber. They play a critical role in ocean ecosystems, particularly in nutrient recycling.
Synonyms
  • sea cucumber
  • marine echinoderm