Definition

1. Noun (Biology):

   • A free-swimming, typically umbrella-shaped, gelatinous form in the life cycle of certain coelenterates (like jellyfish). This is the sexual phase, often bearing tentacles.

2. Noun (Greek Mythology):

   • A Gorgon, a monstrous woman with snakes for hair whose gaze could turn onlookers to stone. She was slain by the hero Perseus.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Biology):

  • The medusa stage of the jellyfish is often the most recognizable.
  • Scientists observed the medusa pulsating to move through the water.

• Noun (Greek Mythology):

  • Perseus used a mirrored shield to avoid looking directly at Medusa.
  • The statue was said to be a victim of Medusa's petrifying gaze.

Advanced Usage

• "medusan" (adjective): Relating to or resembling a medusa (biological form).
  • The creature exhibited a medusan body shape.

Variants and Related Words

• Medusae (n): The plural form of "medusa" in a biological context.
  • The sample contained numerous medusae.
• Medusoid (adj/n): Having the form of a medusa; or a medusa-like organism.
  • The fossil showed a medusoid structure.

Synonyms

• Jellyfish (for the biological form, though "jellyfish" commonly refers to the medusa stage of specific species).
• Gorgon (for the mythological figure, specifically one of three sisters).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "A face like Medusa": An idiom describing someone with a terrifying, fierce, or petrifying expression.
  • The teacher's glare was like Medusa's, freezing the misbehaving students in place.

Noun

1. one of two forms that coelenterates take: it is the free-swimming sexual phase in the life cycle of a coelenterate; in this phase it has a gelatinous umbrella-shaped body and tentacles
2. (Greek mythology) a woman transformed into a Gorgon by Athena; she was slain by Perseus