Definition

Noun: 1. A marine invertebrate animal: A sea cucumber is an echinoderm with a soft, elongated, cylindrical body resembling a cucumber. It is a bottom-dwelling creature found on ocean floors worldwide. 2. A specific type of echinoderm: It belongs to the class Holothuroidea. Its body structure is characterized by a leathery skin, a mouth surrounded by tentacles used for feeding, and tube feet for locomotion.

Examples of Usage

Advanced Usage

• Ecological Role: The term is used in marine biology and ecology to discuss nutrient cycling, as sea cucumbers consume detritus and recycle organic matter.
  • The study focused on the population decline of the sea cucumber and its impact on reef health.
• Commercial Context: In food and trade contexts, "sea cucumber" often refers to the animal as a dried seafood product (bêche-de-mer or trepang).
  • Dried sea cucumber is considered a delicacy in some Asian cuisines.

Variants and Related Words

• Holothurian (n): The scientific term for a sea cucumber.
  • The researcher specialized in holothurian biology.
• Bêche-de-mer (n): A name for processed, dried sea cucumber, primarily used in commerce and cooking.
  • The shipment of bêche-de-mer was bound for overseas markets.
• Trepang (n): Another term for the edible sea cucumber, especially when prepared as food.
  • The soup was made with trepang and abalone.

Synonyms

• Holothurian: (Scientific synonym) The marine animal itself.
• Bêche-de-mer: (Culinary/commercial synonym) Specifically the processed, dried product.

Related Phrases

• Sea cucumber fishery: Refers to the industry or activity of harvesting sea cucumbers.
  • Overfishing has threatened the local sea cucumber fishery.

Noun

1. echinoderm having a flexible sausage-shaped body, tentacles surrounding the mouth and tube feet; free-living mud feeders