starfish

/'stɑ:fiʃ/

Thân thiện

A child gently holds a starfish at the beach.

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.

Học thuật

Noun

1. echinoderms characterized by five arms extending from a central disk

Từ đồng nghĩa

• sea star