Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of marine echinoderm: A "serpent star" is an animal that lives in the ocean. It has a small, central, disc-shaped body and five or more long, thin, flexible, and often snake-like arms. It is related to starfish but has distinct, more mobile arms.

Usage

• The word "serpent star" is used to name and describe this specific marine animal. It is a common name, with "brittle star" being a more frequently used synonym for the same group of animals.
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Advanced Usage

• In scientific or marine biology contexts, "serpent star" is often used interchangeably with "brittle star," which refers to the class Ophiuroidea.
• Example:

Variants and Related Words

• Brittle star (n): The most common synonym for "serpent star." The name refers to the fact that their arms can break off easily as a defense mechanism.
• Ophiuroid (n): The formal scientific name for the class of animals that includes serpent stars and brittle stars.

Synonyms

• Brittle star: The primary and most common synonym.

Different Meanings

• The term "serpent star" refers specifically to this echinoderm. It does not have other common metaphorical or idiomatic meanings. It should not be confused with "starfish" (or sea star), which has shorter, sturdier, and less flexible arms attached to a more prominent central body.

Noun

1. an animal resembling a starfish with fragile whiplike arms radiating from a small central disc