Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic class of echinoderms: "Class Asteroidea" is the scientific name for the biological class comprising marine animals commonly known as sea stars or starfish. These are characterized by a central disc and typically five or more radiating arms.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The class Asteroidea includes familiar species like the common starfish.
  • Marine biologists study the unique water vascular system of class Asteroidea.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific classification: The term is used in formal taxonomy to group all sea star species.
  • The phylum Echinodermata is divided into several classes, including class Asteroidea and class Echinoidea.

Variants and Related Words

• Asteroid (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of sea stars.
  • The asteroid body plan is distinct from that of brittle stars.
• Asterozoan (n): A member of the subphylum Asterozoa, which includes the class Asteroidea.
  • Asterozoans exhibit radial symmetry.

Synonyms

• Sea stars: The common name for members of this class.
• Starfish: A common, though increasingly discouraged (as they are not fish), name for these animals.

Related Phrases

• "Asteroid morphology": Refers to the study of the form and structure of sea stars.
  • The research paper focused on asteroid morphology in deep-sea environments.

Noun

1. sea stars