Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic class of marine invertebrates: "Class Anthozoa" is a major class within the phylum Cnidaria, comprising sedentary (non-swimming) animals such as sea anemones and corals. A defining characteristic is the complete absence of a medusa (jellyfish-like) stage in their life cycle; they exist only in the polyp form.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Corals and sea anemones belong to the class Anthozoa.
  • The class Anthozoa is distinguished by its exclusively polypoid life cycle.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Classification: The term is used primarily in biological and zoological contexts to categorize and discuss this specific group of cnidarians.
  • The study focused on the evolutionary relationships within the class Anthozoa.

Variants and Related Words

• Anthozoan (n): An individual member of the class Anthozoa.
  • The anthozoan was attached to the rocky substrate.
• Anthozoan (adj): Of or relating to the class Anthozoa.
  • The reef exhibited typical anthozoan biodiversity.

Synonyms

• Actinozoa (n): An older, synonymous term for the class Anthozoa, now less commonly used.

Related Phrases

• Hexacorallia: A subclass within Anthozoa that includes stony corals and sea anemones, typically with six-fold symmetry.
• Octocorallia: A subclass within Anthozoa that includes soft corals and sea fans, typically with eight-fold symmetry.

Noun

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