Definition

A type of simple animal that has a body with a central cavity and tentacles, including creatures like jellyfish and corals.

Example

Coelenterates such as jellyfish can be found in oceans all over the world.

Conversation

Did you know that a jellyfish is a type of coelenterate?

Really? I always thought they were just weird sea creatures.

Yeah, they're part of a group that includes corals and sea anemones too.

That's fascinating! I had no idea there were so many different kinds.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Coelenterate is formed from "coel" (from Greek "koilos", meaning hollow) and "enteron" (from Greek "enteron", meaning intestine). The term refers to animals that have a hollow body structure with a central cavity for digestion.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hollow' ('coel') and 'intestine' ('enteron') to remember that coelenterates are creatures with a hollow body structure for digestion.

Visually Confused Words