Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
echinoid
Noun
/ˈɛkɪnɔɪd/
Definition
A marine animal of the class Echinoidea, which includes sea urchins and sand dollars.
Examples
- The echinoid, commonly known as the sea urchin, is often found in shallow waters.
- Sand dollars are a type of echinoid that has a flattened appearance.
- Many echinoids play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as grazers of algae.
Meaning
Echinoids are characterized by their hard, spiny shells and typically live on the ocean floor. They are part of the echinoderm family, which also includes starfish and sea cucumbers.
Synonyms
- Sea urchin
- Sand dollar
- Echinoderm