Word: Ctenophore
Definition:
A ctenophore is a type of marine animal that looks a bit like a jellyfish. They are unique because they have a body that is symmetrical (which means it looks the same on both sides) and they can reproduce as both male and female (this is called hermaphroditic). Ctenophores move through the water using eight rows of tiny, hair-like structures called cilia, which look like the teeth of a comb.
Usage Instructions:
You can use the word "ctenophore" when talking about marine biology, ocean life, or when describing different types of sea creatures. It is a scientific term, so it is often used in academic or educational contexts.
Example Sentence:
"When we went snorkeling, we saw a beautiful ctenophore gliding through the water, its cilia sparkling in the sunlight."
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced discussions, you might find ctenophores being compared to other marine organisms, or discussed in terms of their ecological role in the ocean, such as their impact on plankton populations or their role in the food web.
Word Variants:
The word "ctenophore" does not have many variants, but it can be broken down into parts: "cteno-" meaning "comb" and "-phore" meaning "to bear" or "to carry."
Different Meaning:
The term "ctenophore" specifically refers to this type of animal, and does not have other meanings outside of marine biology.
Synonyms:
There are no direct synonyms for "ctenophore," but you might refer to them collectively with other marine animals, like "jellyfish" or "plankton," depending on the context.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "ctenophore," as it is a specialized scientific term.
Summary:
A ctenophore is a unique marine animal that is a bit like a jellyfish. It is symmetrical, can reproduce as both male and female, and moves using small hair-like structures.