scyphistoma

noun

scy·​phis·​to·​ma sī-ˈfi-stə-mə How to pronounce scyphistoma (audio)
plural scyphistomae sī-ˈfi-stə-(ˌ)mē How to pronounce scyphistoma (audio) also scyphistomas
: a sexually produced scyphozoan larva that ultimately repeatedly constricts transversely to form free-swimming medusae

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin scyphus cup + Greek stoma mouth — more at stomach entry 1

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scyphistoma was in 1861

Dictionary Entries Near scyphistoma

scyphate

scyphistoma

Scyphomedusae

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Scyphistoma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scyphistoma. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scyphistoma

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