Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic class of marine invertebrates: "Anthozoa" refers to a large class of sedentary marine coelenterates (cnidarians) that includes organisms such as sea anemones and corals. In their life cycle, the medusoid (free-swimming jellyfish-like) phase is entirely absent or suppressed.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Corals and sea anemones belong to the class Anthozoa.
  • The study focused on the reproductive biology of various Anthozoa.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Context: The term is primarily used in biological and marine science contexts to classify a specific group of cnidarians.
  • The phylogeny of the Anthozoa is a key area of research in understanding coral reef ecosystems.

Variants and Related Words

• Anthozoan (n): An individual member of the class Anthozoa.
  • The diver observed a colorful anthozoan attached to the reef.
• Anthozoic (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of the Anthozoa.
  • The anthozoic polyps form the foundation of the reef structure.

Synonyms

• Corals and Anemones (common name grouping): This is a descriptive synonym referring to the most well-known members of the class.
• Hexacorallia / Octocorallia: These are subclasses within Anthozoa (for hard corals and soft corals/sea fans, respectively), used in more precise taxonomic discussion.

Related Phrases / Terms

• Sessile polyp: Describes the attached, cylindrical body form characteristic of anthozoans.
  • The anthozoan exists solely as a sessile polyp.
• Cnidarian: The larger phylum to which Anthozoa belongs.
  • Anthozoa is a class within the phylum Cnidaria, which also includes jellyfish and hydras.

Noun

1. a large class of sedentary marine coelenterates that includes sea anemones and corals; the medusoid phase is entirely suppressed