starfish
/'stɑ:fiʃ/
Definition
Noun: 1. A marine echinoderm animal: A starfish is a sea creature characterized by a central, often circular body (a disk) from which five or more arms (rays) typically radiate. It belongs to the scientific class Asteroidea. 2. A specific body form: The term refers to the distinctive, star-shaped physical form of this animal.
Usage
- The word "starfish" is a countable noun. Its standard plural is starfish, though starfishes is also acceptable, especially when referring to multiple different types or species.
- It is commonly used in contexts related to marine biology, beachcombing, and aquariums.
Examples
- Noun:
- We found a bright orange starfish clinging to the rock in the tidal pool.
- Some starfish can regenerate a lost arm.
- The aquarium has a tank dedicated to various starfishes, including the crown-of-thorns.
Advanced Usage
- "Starfish" as a verb (informal): To lie or sprawl with limbs outstretched, resembling the shape of a starfish.
- After the long hike, he starfished on the cool grass.
Variants and Related Words
- Sea star: A more modern and scientifically preferred synonym, as these animals are not fish.
- Asteroid: The scientific term for any member of the class Asteroidea.
- Brittlestar / Basket star: Related echinoderms with more slender, flexible arms.
Synonyms
- Sea star
Different Meanings
- The primary and almost exclusive meaning is the marine animal. The informal verbal use is derived directly from its shape.
Idioms / Common Phrases
- To spread out like a starfish: To occupy a large amount of space by lying with arms and legs stretched out.
- He took up the whole bed, spread out like a starfish.
Noun
-
echinoderms characterized by five arms extending from a central disk
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