Definition

1. Noun:
   • A phylum of marine invertebrates: "Echinodermata" is the scientific name for a major phylum of exclusively marine animals characterized by radial symmetry, typically pentamerous (five-part) in adults, and a unique water vascular system used for locomotion and feeding.
   • Distinctive physical features: Members of this phylum possess an endoskeleton of calcareous plates or ossicles, often forming spines or bumps, which gives the group its name (from Greek echinos, "hedgehog, sea urchin" + derma, "skin").

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The phylum Echinodermata includes familiar creatures like starfish and sea urchins.
  • Marine biologists study the development and ecology of Echinodermata.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic classification: The term is always capitalized as it is a proper taxonomic rank (Phylum Echinodermata).
  • The fossil record shows that Echinodermata have existed since the early Cambrian period.

Variants and Related Words

• Echinoderm (n): Any member of the phylum Echinodermata.
  • A starfish is a common type of echinoderm.
• Echinodermal (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of echinoderms.
  • The echinodermal skeleton is composed of calcite.

Synonyms

• Spiny-skinned animals: A descriptive, non-scientific synonym referring to their characteristic appearance.
• None (Scientific term): As a formal taxonomic name, it has no direct, precise synonym in common language.

Related Phrases / Collocations

• Phylum Echinodermata: The full, formal taxonomic designation.
  • The specimen was classified within the Phylum Echinodermata.
• Echinodermata larvae: Refers to the bilaterally symmetrical larval stage, which is distinct from the radially symmetrical adult form.
  • The study focused on the metamorphosis of Echinodermata larvae.

Related Idioms

• None: This is a precise scientific term and is not used in idiomatic expressions.

Noun

1. radially symmetrical marine invertebrates including e.g. starfish and sea urchins and sea cucumbers