sea cucumber
/'si:,kju:kəmbə/ Cách viết khác : (sea_gherkin) /'si:'gə:kin/ (sea_slug) /'si:'slʌg/
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- echinoderm having a flexible sausage-shaped body, tentacles surrounding the mouth and tube feet; free-living mud feeders